Japanese holly - Ilex crenata (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Japanese holly

Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) is an evergreen shrub native to China, Japan, and Korea. Japanese holly is a flowering plant, and its flowers transition into berries during summer. This plant is popularly planted as an ornamental shrub and can be grown as a Bonsai tree.

Scientific classification

Species

Japanese holly (Ilex crenata)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Fall, Winter

Harvest Time

3 m to 5 m

Plant Height

1.5 m to 2.5 m

Spread

Green, Yellow

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Black

Fruit Color

White, Green

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Japanese holly

Distribution of Japanese holly

Distribution Map

Japanese holly is originally native to temperate and subtropical regions of East Asia, where it thrives in varied habitats. Its natural range encompasses northeast to southern parts of Asia, including island nations and peninsular regions. Beyond its native domain, japanese holly has been introduced to other locations, notably in parts of Europe, where it is now cultivated. The spread of japanese holly suggests its adaptability to different climatic regions and its acceptance within ornamental horticulture.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Thickets, woods and wet places in lowland and mountains

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Japanese holly is a robust shrub that is most frequently used for hedging, edging, and courtyard gardens. This dwarf shrub can be trimmed into topiary shapes and gives a year-round structure to borders. It can also be grown as a container plant.

Symbolism

Protection, Anti-Lightning, Luck

Interesting Facts

The japanese holly is a small dense shrub that is extremely easy to care for. In spite of the name “holly,” this shrub does not have prickers at all. They resemble a boxwood bush and work well for hedges. These bushes can tolerate sun or shade, but do need regular watering to thrive.

Name Story

Japanese holly: The genus name comes from the botanical name of Quercus ilex for holm oak which is in reference to their similar foliage while the specific epithet is in reference to the crenate margins of the leaves. Since Japan is one of its origins, it is called the Japanese holly.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Japanese holly, including the following common varieties :

Japanese holly 'Brass Buckle'Japanese Holly 'Sky Pencil'Japanese holly 'Golden Gem'

Toxicity

Japanese holly exhibits mild toxicity to cats and dogs when consumed in large quantities. All parts of japanese holly are toxic, causing gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. Immediate veterinary care is crucial after ingestion to manage health effects. Owners should monitor pets closely to prevent access to japanese holly and ensure their safety. Japanese holly affects cats and dogs in similar ways.

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Quickly Identify Japanese holly

Dense growth forms multi-stemmed shrubs or small trees, rounded in shape, 5-10 feet (1.5-3 meters) tall.

Leaves with distinctive crenate margins, shallow rounded indentations, contributing to easy identification.

Fruit is a black drupe, spherical, berry-like, 1/4 to 1/3 inch (6 to 8 mm) in diameter.

Alternate, elliptic or obovate leaves, 0.5-1.25 inches (1.27-3.18 cm) long.

Stems transition from green to grayish-green or grayish-brown, with dense pubescence on young stems.

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Care Guide for Japanese holly

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from Japanese forests, japanese holly thrives in moderate moisture and high humidity. Water every 1-2 weeks, maintaining moisture without waterlogging. Preferably grown outdoors, japanese holly benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture and replicate its natural leaf litter environment.

Fertilize: Japanese holly thrives with balanced fertilization, especially high-nitrogen formulations in spring and summer for foliage growth. In autumn, switch to balanced feed for root support, tapering in winter. Generally, use a tablespoon per foot of height, avoiding over-fertilization, and adjust for smaller or mature plants.

Pruning: Japanese holly thrives with regular pruning, ideally from early to late winter. Key techniques involve thinning crowded branches, removing dead wood, and shaping for aesthetics. This practice improves airflow, light penetration, and growth, while using sharp, clean tools ensures healthy regrowth.

Propagation: Japanese holly propagates effectively through cuttings taken in spring and summer. The process has moderate difficulty, with new growth signaling success. Choosing healthy stems and maintaining consistent moisture are crucial for optimal propagation outcomes.

Repotting: Repot japanese holly every two years in late winter or early spring to promote growth. Use a slightly larger container than the root ball to avoid overwatering. Ensure well-draining soil, moderate watering, and protection from strong winds for optimal recovery and development.

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Images of Japanese holly

Distribution of Japanese holly

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Japanese holly

Care Guide for Japanese holly

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