Ilex crenata 'LATIFOLIA' Japanese holly, box-leaved holly

Japanese box-leaved holly is superb carefree shrub suitable for evergreen groupings as well as a stand-alone specimen in small front gardens. Its leaves are similar to English box, but larger: Latifolia variety has the largest leaves of all crenata hollies. They are 3-4 cm long, ovate, deep green and glossy and do not curl at the margins. Disease-free.

It grows fast and vigorously and is often used in low or medium tall hedges. It can be pruned and clipped in almost any way from spring until mid summer. Spring pruning after frost encourages branching and growth, pruning is summer is used for shaping. Japanese holly is usually trouble-free, tolerates any soil and can withstand summer dry spells once established. For best results and leaf colour use medium fertile, slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soil. Fully hardy to min. -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update: 07-02-2009.