Area of origin: Far East, in particular Japan.
Adult Dimensions: Height up to 3 m.
Foliage: Evergreen.
Soil Type: Acid to neutral, rich rather moist. It does not thrive in chalky soils.
Hardiness: Hardy to -20°C.
Exposure: Semi-shade to full sun.
Planting spacing: Space out according to the wished height.
- For a Low hedge of less than 40 cm in height, plant every 20 cm.
- For a Medium hedge of between 40 cm and 1 m in height, plant every 40 cm.
- For a Privacy hedge of more than 1 m in height, plant every 80 cm.
Properties and uses:
The Box-leaved Japanese Holly is a compact shrub with glossy foliage reminiscent of the common Box. Incidentally, it is an interesting alternative in low hedges and formal gardens. Bonsai’s lovers will also like it. This Holly with its dense foliage can withstand any pruning and shaping, even the most imaginative. Its growth is rather quick (up to 30cm after the first year of plantation) which will allow you to create man-sized hedges in a reasonable period of time. Ideally it is to be pruned twice a year: at the beginning of summer, then in September-October.
Easy to grow, it is best not to plant it in full sun in hotter areas. It thrives in a moist, well-drained soil and withstands partial shade. The Box-leaved Japanese Holly is also disease-resistant.
The Box-leaved, Japanese Holly 'Dark Green'® is a shrub which has a dark green foliage. This variety is one of the most reminiscent of the common Box, is highly disease-resistant and withstands hard pruning in low hedges. Numerous gardens have used it instead of common Box, such as the gardens of the Het Loo’s Palace in the Netherlands which have been entirely renewed in 2013.