Inu tsuge

Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata (var. kin-me)

Characteristics

Fast growth plant, with smooth, green-gray coloured trunk; glossy, dark green leaves; the new sprouts, light green almost golden yellow in March/April, turn intense dark green in May/June. Blooms in June with little white flowers in clusters.

Care

Grows well in neutral or slightly acid pH soils, as long as well-drained; water regularly using non calcareous water; if grown in a container provide some protection from cold winter wind. Use a slow release fertilizer from March until September. Preventive disinfections with an acaricide from April until September are advised as well as a white oil treatment in winter.

Pruning

Starting from June and after the new vegetation has reached 15-20 cm. Prevent excessive apical dominance by pruning more frequently the apical shoots as well as the most vigorous ones, in order to preserve the lower or weaker branches.

sunny

regular watering

neutral to slightly acid pH soil

hardy -10°C

Japanese Holly