Ilex crenata 'GOLDEN GEM' Japanese holly, box-leaved holly
Ilex
One of the best ground-covering evergreen shrubs is undoubtedly this Japanese holly. It has leaves similar to boxwood and is often used as its substitute.
Golden Gem variety is a low, dense shrub with bright golden-yellow top leaves, leaving the bottom ones dark green. This bicolour effect is very elegant. Leaves are small and glossy, gently serrated at margins. Fruits, if any, are small, glossy black berries in autumn.
Pruning is possible in April: this will encourage new growths, and trimming should be done by end July and is ideal for shaping.
It is superb for evergreen groupings as well as a stand-alone specimen in small front gardens. 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 17-01-2009
