Ilex crenata 'GOLDEN ROCK'® Japanese holly, box-leaved holly
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
0,5-1,5m
usual width
0,5-1m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
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
categorized
Description of the plant:
One of the most elegant evergreen shrubs is undoubtedly this Japanese holly. It has leaves similar to boxwood and is often used as its substitute. Golden Rock? is a recent introduction from German town Wiesmoor, where Uwe Renken found it in 2000 as a natural mutation of another holly variety called Golden Gem. The plant was patented in 2009 under PP20,062 in USA and 20070174 in Europe. Propagation without license is prohibited.Golden Rock? is attractive for its golden-yellow top leaves, leaving the bottom ones dark green. This bicolour effect is very unusual and elegant. Leaves are small and glossy, gently serrated at margins. Fruits, if any, are small, glossy black berries in autumn. As opposed to its parent this plant grows upright and not as wide as Golden Gem. This can make it a nice, compact specimen with bright coloured foliage. Pruning in spring will encourage new growths, and trimming by end July is ideal for shaping.
Box-leaved holly is usually trouble-free, it does best in medium fertile, acid, moist but well-drained soil. Once established it can withstand summer dry spells. Grow it in full sun or part shade, in full shade it will lose its shape and brighntess. Hardy to min. -27°C (USDA zone 5b).
Last update 06-02-2010
