Compact Japanese Holly
Ilex crenata 'Compacta'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
72 inches
Width
96 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Long-lived shrub
Native To
Japan, East Asia
Toxicity
Berries (if present on female plants) are mildly toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Ilex crenata, or Japanese Holly, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with small, spineless, dark green leaves, resembling boxwood. It is a versatile and popular landscape plant, often used for hedging and foundation plantings. 'Compacta' is a dense, multi-stemmed, male cultivar with a globose to spreading habit. It is valued for its compact form, which requires less pruning than the species, and its small, glossy, dark green leaves.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with acidic, moist, well-drained soil.
- Amend soil with compost to improve structure and acidity.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
- Plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above soil level.
- Backfill and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
- Mulch with pine straw or bark to retain moisture and acidify soil.
Pro Tip
Plant in acidic soil to avoid chlorosis (yellowing leaves), a common issue for Japanese hollies in alkaline conditions.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Maintain acidic soil conditions (pH 5.0 to 6.0).
- Water regularly during dry periods to keep soil evenly moist.
- Prune or shear in late winter or early summer to maintain desired shape.
Don't
- Do not plant in alkaline (high pH) soil, which causes yellow leaves.
- Do not let the soil become waterlogged, as it's prone to root rot.
- Avoid planting in hot, dry, windswept locations without supplemental water.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Compact Japanese Holly questions
What zones can Compact Japanese Holly grow in?
Compact Japanese Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Compact Japanese Holly deer resistant?
Yes — Compact Japanese Holly is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Compact Japanese Holly bloom?
Compact Japanese Holly typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Compact Japanese Holly need full sun?
Compact Japanese Holly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
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Keep exploring
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Grow Compact Japanese Holly with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
