Species

Ilex crenataJapanese Holly

12 other cultivars

shrub

Steeds Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata 'Steeds'

$17.99

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex crenata is a dense, multi-branched, evergreen shrub with small, spineless leaves often used as a boxwood substitute. It features inconspicuous white flowers in spring.

'Steeds' is a popular male cultivar known for its dense, upright, naturally pyramidal form. It is an excellent choice for creating formal hedges, screens, or accent plantings that require minimal shearing to maintain their shape.

Uses & Benefits:

'Steeds' provides strong vertical structure and formal elegance to the landscape. Its dense, dark green foliage serves as a perfect backdrop for other plants and offers year-round visual interest.

Its primary use is for creating formal hedges and screens due to its tight, upright growth. It can also be used as a pair of sentinels flanking an entryway or as a corner accent in a foundation planting.

As a male clone, it does not produce berries but its small flowers provide pollen for bees. It serves as an effective pollinator for nearby female Japanese hollies, enabling them to produce fruit for birds.

SpeciesIlex crenataJapanese Holly

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

84 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested (though this is a male clone)

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plants By Mail

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$17.99

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$23.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained, acidic soil and good air circulation.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with soil, firming it gently around the roots.
Water deeply immediately after planting.
Mulch with 2-3 inches of pine straw or bark to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

To maintain a dense hedge, shear new growth lightly in early summer after the initial spring flush has hardened off.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain consistent moisture, especially during establishment.
Plant in acidic soil or amend soil to lower the pH.
Shear annually to maintain its formal shape and density.
Use as a pollinator for female Ilex crenata varieties if berries are desired.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils.
Avoid planting in highly alkaline soils, which will cause chlorosis.
Don't let the plant dry out, as it is not very drought tolerant.
Avoid deep cultivation around the shallow roots.

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

Formal evergreen hedge or screenVertical accent at corners or entrywaysStructured foundation planting

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Pieris japonica Buxus sempervirens Hydrangea macrophylla Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Steeds Japanese Holly questions

What zones can Steeds Japanese Holly grow in?

Steeds 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 Steeds Japanese Holly deer resistant?

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

When does Steeds Japanese Holly bloom?

Steeds 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 Steeds Japanese Holly need full sun?

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