Ilex crenata 'GOLDEN GEM' - bonsai Japanese holly

Japanese holly is one of the top popular plants for bonsai makers. It grows slowly, forming a dense shrub and can be shaped to almost any size you wish.

Golden Gem variety is a low, dense shrub with bright golden-yellow top leaves is placed in full sun, leaving the bottom ones dark green. This bicolour effect is very elegant. Leaves are small and glossy, gently serrated at margins. Fruits are usually absent on sheared plants, but if any, they are small, glossy black berries in autumn.

Bonsai shrubs are trimmed several times a year. First cut should follow the last strong frost in spring and the last one not later than September.

It is usually trouble-free, it tolerates any soil and can withstand summer dry spells once established. For best results, however, use medium fertile, slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soil. Hardy to -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 04-08-2011