Shrub · Aquifoliaceae family
Japanese holly
Ilex crenata
In short a 10-second read
Japanese holly (shrub) grows to 1.5–3 m tall and 1.5–2.4 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. It flowers in May–June; the flowers are white. Hardy to −29 °C.
× spread 1.5–2.4 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −29 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: clay, loamy, sandy
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 10–20 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
May–June · white
Pruning
hedge trimming (March–April)
Planting
container plant: October–April
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −29 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −29 °C
- Evergreen — green in winter too
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does Japanese holly flower?
In May–June; the flowers are white.
Does Japanese holly tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does Japanese holly need?
At maturity 1.5–2.4 m wide and 1.5–3 m tall; recommended spacing 150 cm.
Does Japanese holly survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −29 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 28 September 2026.
Show sources (14)
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — Ilex crenata
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Ilex crenata
- Heijnen Plants (NL) — Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' hedge
- GBIF — Ilex crenata
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (species/match)
- Wikidata (CC0) — Ilex crenata
- RHS - Ilex crenata
- RHS - Mulches and mulching
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany
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