Ilex crenata 'MARIESII'

Many people mistake Japanese holly for buxus thanks to its small, evergreen leaves. Mariesii is an exception and very few amateurs make the same mistake in case of this variety since this holly is very different, almost a collectors' gem.

Mariesii Japanese holly has unique foliage - the evergreen leaves are small but broadly obovate, almost rounded, deep green, set densely along the stiff branches like scales, and reflecting sunlight like tiny mirrors. Looking at the shrub with a little bit of imagination you may think you are watching a green coral reef, this is how interestingly shaped this plant is.

It grows VERY slowly, making only about 10 cm per year, the twigs are rather thick, purple red when young, turning grey-green with age. Its slow growth and inimitable habit makes it ideal for bonsai makers who create all sorts of bizarre shapes out of it. Being a female variety, it produces profusion of small, creamy white flowers in mid spring, followed by abundance of small, inedible, glossy, black berries if pollinated by a male variety from nearby.

It can be pruned and clipped in almost any way in early spring or by end July. Japanese holly is usually trouble-free, tolerates any soil apart from compacted (clay) and boggy, and can withstand summer dry spells once established. However, for best results and leaf colour grow it in medium fertile, moist but well-drained acid soil. Fully hardy to abt. -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update: 27-01-2016