Species

Ilex crenataJapanese Holly

18 other cultivars

shrub

Stokes Dwarf Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata 'Stokes'

$96.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex crenata, the Japanese holly, is a dense, slow-growing evergreen shrub native to East Asia that naturally forms a compact, rounded mound. The species features small, glossy, dark green leaves with scalloped margins that closely resemble boxwood, but it lacks the spiny foliage typical of other hollies.

'Stokes' is a compact, male cultivar that grows into a low-mounding, twiggy framework without producing berries. The fine-textured foliage emerges light green in spring before maturing to a deep, lustrous dark green.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a neat, fine-textured, evergreen structure that serves as an excellent low hedge or boxwood alternative.

Requires minimal maintenance and pruning due to its naturally compact, slow-growing habit.

Offers dense, year-round nesting cover and shelter for small songbirds.

SpeciesIlex crenataJapanese Holly

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets and humans

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$96.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with acidic, well-draining soil that receives full sun to partial shade.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the stem crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with native soil amended with organic compost, tamping down gently to eliminate air pockets.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it several inches away from the main stem, and water thoroughly.

Pro Tip

Never apply lime or alkaline amendments to the soil, as this species strictly requires acidic conditions to prevent severe iron chlorosis; additionally, avoid piling mulch directly against the stem crown to protect its shallow, fibrous root system from rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain consistent soil moisture during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Apply a balanced, slow-release acidic fertilizer in early spring to support healthy foliage.
Prune lightly in late spring or early summer after the initial growth flush to shape the shrub.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils, which quickly triggers root rot.
Do not shear hard back into old, leafless wood, as the bare stems lack latent buds to resprout.
Do not pile thick, heavy mulch directly against the base of the stems.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation PlantingLow HedgeBorder EdgingMass PlantingContainer Planting

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Pieris japonica Astilbe

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Stokes Dwarf Japanese Holly questions

What zones can Stokes Dwarf Japanese Holly grow in?

Stokes Dwarf Japanese Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Stokes Dwarf Japanese Holly deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Stokes Dwarf Japanese Holly, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Stokes Dwarf Japanese Holly bloom?

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

Does Stokes Dwarf Japanese Holly need full sun?

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