Hoogendorn Japanese Holly
Ilex crenata 'Hoogendorn'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
24 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
20+ years
Native To
Japan, East Asia
Toxicity
Berries are mildly toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Ilex crenata, or Japanese Holly, is a broadleaf 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 concern. 'Hoogendorn' is a low-growing, spreading cultivar with a dense, compact habit that requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape. Its refined texture and horizontal branching make it an excellent choice for foundation plantings and low borders.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with good drainage and acidic soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
- Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill the hole, gently tamping down the soil.
- Water deeply immediately after planting.
- Apply an acidifying mulch like pine needles or shredded bark.
Pro Tip
Plant in acidic, well-drained soil. If your soil is alkaline, amend with elemental sulfur or iron sulfate to prevent yellowing leaves (chlorosis).
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during establishment.
- Test soil pH and amend if necessary to keep it acidic.
- Prune after the flush of new spring growth to maintain shape.
- Provide good air circulation to prevent disease.
Don't
- Don't plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soil without amending for drainage.
- Avoid planting in high pH (alkaline) soils.
- Don't let the root ball dry out completely.
- Avoid deep cultivation around the shallow roots.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| 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
Hoogendorn Japanese Holly questions
What zones can Hoogendorn Japanese Holly grow in?
Hoogendorn Japanese Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 6–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Hoogendorn Japanese Holly deer resistant?
Yes — Hoogendorn Japanese Holly is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Hoogendorn Japanese Holly bloom?
Hoogendorn 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 Hoogendorn Japanese Holly need full sun?
Hoogendorn Japanese Holly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Ilex to compare
Gem Box Inkberry Holly
Ilex glabra 'Gem Box'
Sky Pencil Holly
Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'
Dwarf Pagoda Holly
Ilex crenata 'Dwarf Pagoda'
Mr Poppins Holly
Ilex x meserveae 'Mr Poppins'
Blue Holly Berry Poppins
Ilex x meserveae 'Berry Poppins'
Blue Prince Holly Blue Princess Holly
Ilex x meservae 'Blue Prince Princess'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Hoogendorn 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.
