Species Japanese holly
small, glossy, yellow-green, oval leaves with pale-green stems

Japanese holly

Ilex crenata 'Geisha'

Japanese holly (Ilex crenata 'Geisha') is an evergreen shrub known for its striking evergreen foliage with intricate designs. This low-maintenance shrub features glossy, deep green foliage, with creamy white flowers appearing in spring. Its dense growth habit makes it an ideal choice for hedges, topiaries, and other formal plantings. Once mature, its low-spreading form reaches about three feet tall and four feet wide. Plant Geisha holly in full sun or partial shade, and fertilize it once a year in spring. It is deer and drought tolerant, and suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9. With its glossy green foliage and easy-care nature, it's the perfect addition to your garden.

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,red,black Fruits In Autumn Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Japanese holly should be watered once per week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per session. During really hot weather, watering should be done more frequently to prevent wilting. It is important to make sure to water the soil evenly and to the full depth of the root zone rather than just sprinkling the surface. Soil should be kept slightly moist but not soggy to avoid root rot. When the plants are actively growing, a liquid fertilizer should be applied every 4 to 6 weeks.

sunlight

Japanese holly (Ilex crenata 'Geisha') should receive full sun to partial shade. It does best in 6-8 hours of direct sunlight in a day, preferably early morning sun and dappled afternoon shade as this plant is more sensitive to intense heat and prolonged periods of direct sun. This species also prefers well-draining soil with a pH of slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.

pruning

Japanese holly should be pruned in late winter or early spring. It is best to lightly shear the shrub prior to new growth each year to retain form, promote new growth, and increase flowering. To maintain compact growth, remove up to 1-third of the oldest shoots each year. If heavy pruning is needed, it’s best to spread it out over 2 to 3 years.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Ilex crenata 'Geisha' fruits typically begins in late summer or early fall, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Ilex crenata 'Geisha' typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Ilex crenata 'Geisha' fruits typically begins in late summer or early fall, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map