Species Japanese holly Guide
green shrub with dense, small, green leaves and gray-brown stems

Japanese holly

Ilex crenata 'Helleri'

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Greenwood Cuttings,Hardwood Cuttings

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Filtered shade, Full sun

Soil:

Acidic, Well-drained

Fruits:

green,yellow,purple,olive,black Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Japanese holly should be watered thoroughly when the soil becomes slightly dry. This can typically occur every 1 to 2 weeks with the frequency increasing during hot, sunny weather. After watering, allow the soil to dry out slightly before the next application in order for excess water to drain away and to prevent root rot. During the cooler months of autumn and winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly.

sunlight

Japanese holly (Ilex crenata 'Helleri') will benefit from partial sun to full sun exposure for at least 4 to 6 hours every day. This species tolerates full sun in cooler regions, and does best in part shade in areas with hot summers. The best time of day for Japanese holly is the morning sun, as this will help it to withstand the heat of the day better.

pruning

Japanese holly (Ilex crenata 'Helleri') should be pruned at the end of winter or early spring. If necessary, thinning out the shrub can also be completed in late summer. Pruning should focus on creating a neat, dense look; eliminating any dead or diseased branches; thinning branches to create a better shape; and taking off any sucker shoots or water shoots to limit growth. In general, pruning should be light. Never prune more than 1-third of the foliage at any given time.