Brass Buckle Japanese holly

Brass Buckle® Japanese holly is a compact, mounded evergreen with glossy, clear yellow foliage that brings color through the year. Proven Winners lists mature height and spread at 12–18 inches, with full sun to part sun and USDA zones 6a–8b; the plant is grown for foliage rather than bloom display. The named selection is Ilex crenata 'ANNYS1' (USPP 26,997; patent record published August 2, 2016) ([Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/brass-buckle-japanese-holly-ilex-crenata); [Google Patents](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP26997P2/en)). ## Landscape use Use this miniature holly to edge a walk or border, fill a container in a milder climate, or add a foliage accent in a rock garden. It also suits mass planting or a small specimen position where the yellow leaves contrast with darker evergreen foliage. Japanese holly as a species can grow much larger, so use the breeder's 12–18 inch range for this selection ([Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/brass-buckle-japanese-holly-ilex-crenata); [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-crenata/)). ## Siting Provide full sun to part sun and acidic, well-drained soil. The breeder recommends moist soil and mulch; North Carolina Extension notes that Ilex crenata generally may struggle in high heat and humidity and benefits from protection from cold winter winds. Those are species-level siting considerations, while the yellow foliage and compact dimensions above describe Brass Buckle itself ([Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/brass-buckle-japanese-holly-ilex-crenata); [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-crenata/)). ## Maintenance Keep soil moist but well-drained and maintain a layer of shredded bark mulch. Pruning is seldom needed; shape in late winter if desired, and apply an evergreen fertilizer in spring ([Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/brass-buckle-japanese-holly-ilex-crenata)).