Ilex crenata 'GOLDEN GEM'
Ilex crenata 'GOLDEN GEM'
Japanese holly, box-leaved holly
Japanese holly, box-leaved holly
| SIZE/TYPE | small shrub |
|---|---|
| USUAL HEIGHT | 0.3-0.6m |
| USUAL WIDTH | 0.5-1m |
| LEAVES | evergreen broadleaf |
| COLOUR OF LEAVES |
 + multicoloured:yellow and green |
| FLOWERS | insignificant or non-blooming |
| LOCATION | full to partial sun |
| SOIL TYPE | acidic (peaty) to neutral |
| SOIL MOISTURE REQUIREMENTS | evenly moist (dislikes drought) |
| USDA zone (lowest) | 5b (down to -27°C) |
| WINTER PROTECTION | |
| FOR ZONE 5+6 |
|
| FOR ZONE 7 |
|
| BELONGS TO CATEGORIES | Evergreen broadleaf |
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
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
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