Japanese Holly

Japanese holly is a dense, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub or small tree with a rounded form and small, glossy dark-green leaves. Its many cultivated forms vary in size and habit, so choose a named selection whose mature dimensions fit the site. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-crenata/) · [Virginia Cooperative Extension](https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/2901/2901-1052/2901-1052.html) ## Site & season Plant in full sun to partial shade and acidic, well-drained soil. NC State lists the species in USDA zones 5a–8b; Virginia Tech notes that hardiness varies across cultivars, generally zones 6b–8 with some 6a selections. It tolerates drought, shade, pollution, and clay or poor soils, but may struggle in high heat and humidity; protect it from cold winter winds. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-crenata/) · [Virginia Cooperative Extension](https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/2901/2901-1052/2901-1052.html) ## Landscape use Use it for a border, foundation planting, hedge, small group, or mass planting. Its slow-growing foliage tolerates severe pruning for size control and topiary. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants; a nearby male is needed for female plants to set small black fruits that ripen in fall and may persist into spring. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-crenata/) ## Maintenance Prune as needed to manage size and mulch the roots where winters are severe. Berries can cause a minor toxic reaction if eaten. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-crenata/)