Japanese holly

Japanese holly should be watered regularly during its first year when establishing a strong root system. After this, the plant will require slightly less frequent watering. During the warmer months (April - September), the plant should be watered once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During the winter months, water only once every 2 to 3 weeks. Ensure that the soil is accurately assessed before watering, as this species of holly can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is kept too moist. Additionally, these plants do not tolerate water logging, so make sure that the soil is well-draining and any excess water can be drained away.

Japanese holly (Ilex crenata 'Shiro-fukurin') benefits from full sun to partial shade. It prefers 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, and will do best in areas where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade. Morning sun allows the plant to start growing earlier in the day, and afternoon shade will protect the foliage from direct mid-day rays. During the hottest months of summer, it may benefit from more protection from the sun.

Prune Japanese holly (Ilex crenata 'Shiro-fukurin') in the early spring before its leaves have fully emerged, or in late winter depending on your climate. Pruning should be minimal – only remove dead or damaged branches and those that do not fit the desired shape of your shrub. Do not cut too far into the live tissue of the plant, as it may not regenerate well. If shaping is necessary, try to make small cuts. When cutting, make sure the cut surface is smooth and angled away from the centre of the plant.