Species

Ilex crenataJapanese Holly

12 other cultivars

shrub

Green Lustre Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata 'Green Lustre'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex crenata, or Japanese Holly, is a dense, multi-branched, evergreen shrub with small, spineless, glossy dark green leaves. It is often used as a substitute for boxwood, especially in areas where boxwood blight is a problem.

'Green Lustre' is a distinct cultivar known for its low, spreading, mounding habit and its exceptionally lustrous, dark green foliage. It is wider than it is tall, making it an excellent choice for groundcover, massing, or low foundation plantings.

Uses & Benefits:

Its primary value is its beautiful, lustrous, dark green foliage and its graceful, spreading form. It provides excellent year-round texture and structure in the garden, serving as a handsome evergreen presence.

As a low, spreading shrub, it's an ideal choice for foundation plantings that won't block windows, for massing on banks, or as an alternative to boxwood for low hedges and borders. Its density helps suppress weeds when planted as a groundcover.

The small, inconspicuous spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators. If a male pollinator is nearby, it will produce small black berries that are eaten by birds in the winter.

SpeciesIlex crenataJapanese Holly

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Japan, East Asia

Toxicity

Berries mildly toxic

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun to part shade and acidic, moist soil.
Ensure the location has good drainage to prevent root rot.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant's container.
Set the plant in the hole so the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with soil, firming it gently around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in alkaline soils, as Japanese hollies are prone to chlorosis (yellowing leaves) in high pH conditions.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain consistent moisture, especially during establishment.
Use an acidifying fertilizer if leaves start to yellow.
Prune as needed to maintain its shape and density.
Provide good air circulation to minimize disease.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or heavy, wet clay soil.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Do not plant near concrete foundations which can leach lime and raise soil pH.
Avoid shearing into a tight ball, which obscures its graceful, mounding form.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Lustrous evergreen groundcoverGraceful low foundation plantingExcellent for massing on slopes

Companion Plants

Hydrangea macrophylla Hosta Astilbe Rhododendron 'PJM'Buxus sempervirens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Green Lustre Japanese Holly questions

What zones can Green Lustre Japanese Holly grow in?

Green Lustre 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 Green Lustre Japanese Holly deer resistant?

Yes — Green Lustre Japanese Holly is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Green Lustre Japanese Holly bloom?

Green Lustre Japanese Holly typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Green Lustre Japanese Holly need full sun?

Green Lustre Japanese Holly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.