Compacta Japanese Holly Shrub

Compacta Japanese holly is a dense, rounded evergreen shrub with fine, glossy dark-green foliage and a compact, spreading outline. It suits foundation beds, borders, hedges, and clipped forms; NC State lists Compacta Holly and Compact Japanese Holly among its common names. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-crenata-compacta/common-name/japanese-holly/) · [Mississippi State Extension](https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/selecting-landscape-shrubs-special-comments-invasive-and-native-plants) ## Site & season Grow it in full sun or partial shade and in moist, well-drained acidic or neutral soil. NC State lists it for USDA zones 6a–8b, with dense, rounded, multi-stemmed growth and spring flowers that are greenish white and fragrant. The small flowers attract bees. NC State describes a typical height of 6–8 feet and width of 6–10 feet; Mississippi State lists about 6 feet in each direction. Mature size can vary, and NC State notes that more than one plant is marketed under the Compacta name. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-crenata-compacta/common-name/japanese-holly/) · [Mississippi State Extension](https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/selecting-landscape-shrubs-special-comments-invasive-and-native-plants) ## Landscape use Use this broadleaf evergreen as a tall ground cover, foundation shrub, clipped hedge, border plant, or small group. It also suits formal gardens and responds to pruning for topiary. Its glossy foliage keeps a fine-textured structure through the year. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-crenata-compacta/common-name/japanese-holly/) · [Urban Tree Farm Nursery](https://www.urbantreefarm.com/product/ilex-crenata-compacta/) ## Maintenance Keep soil moist but well drained, and water during dry periods because this cultivar is drought intolerant. Avoid alkaline soils and monitor for spider mites or nematodes, which can occur. Prune to shape as needed. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-crenata-compacta/common-name/japanese-holly/)