Species

Ilex crenataJapanese Holly

12 other cultivars

shrub

Bennett's Compact Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata 'Bennett'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex crenata is a dense, multi-branched, evergreen shrub with small, spineless, glossy dark green leaves resembling boxwood.

'Bennett' is a compact, spreading female cultivar with a low, mounding habit, making it an excellent choice for low hedges or foundation plantings.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides excellent year-round structure with its fine-textured, evergreen foliage. It's a superb substitute for boxwood, especially in areas where boxwood blight is a concern, and is ideal for formal hedges, topiaries, and foundation plantings.

Its dense growth habit makes it an effective low screen or border planting. It responds very well to shearing, allowing it to be maintained at a precise size and shape for formal garden designs.

The small, inconspicuous flowers provide a source of nectar for bees and other pollinators in late spring. The dense branches can offer shelter for small birds.

SpeciesIlex crenataJapanese Holly

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42 inches

Width

54 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

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with well-drained, acidic soil and good air circulation.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Gently loosen the roots and place the plant in the hole.
Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with soil, firming it gently around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

Improve drainage in heavy clay soils by amending with compost or pine bark to prevent root rot, a common issue for this species.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in acidic, well-drained soil.
Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system.
Prune in late winter to maintain shape and size.
Monitor for scale insects, especially on stressed plants.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline or poorly drained soils.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially in summer.
Don't plant too deep; keep the root flare at soil level.
Avoid heavy shearing in late fall, as it can damage new growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant formal low hedgeLush foundation plantingEvergreen border structure

Companion Plants

RhododendronAzalea Pieris japonica Hosta Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bennett's Compact Japanese Holly questions

What zones can Bennett's Compact Japanese Holly grow in?

Bennett's 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 Bennett's Compact Japanese Holly deer resistant?

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

When does Bennett's Compact Japanese Holly bloom?

Bennett's Compact 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 Bennett's Compact Japanese Holly need full sun?

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