Ilex crenata 'Takakuma-yama' Japanese holly
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
1-2m
usual width
1-2m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
location
full sun to shade
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
Many people mistake Japanese holly for English box thanks to its small, evergreen leaves. This resemblance was also the main reason why it was chosen to become the hardy substitute for true box which is dying in all Europe as well as in the UK. Japanese holly a versatile, evergreen, and almost maintenance-free plant available in many varieties offering different shapes and sizes.
Description of the plant:
Takakuma-yama is a Japanese holly variety named by Mount Takakuma near Kagoshima town on Kyushu Island, Japan, because its spreading - outwardly pyramidal habit - resembles a shape of this charismatic mountain. It yields small, elliptic, dark green, and glossy leaves. They are evergreen and have a shallow serration at margins. As a female plant, if pollinated by a male holly nearby, it produces a profusion of small, black, glossy berries in late summer. They are not edible, nor poisonous but contain saponins which can cause severe discomfort if eaten. Blooming time is from late May until June in C.E., Japanese hollies are highly valued melliferous plants offering plenty of bee food. They grow rather slowly.
It can be pruned and clipped in almost any way from early spring by end of 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 acidic soil. Fully hardy to abt. -27°C (USDA zone 5b).
Last update: 08-02-2021
WANT TO TRY A SIMILAR PLANT?
