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photo of Megan Mathey

Meet the Breeder

Megan Mathey
Grand Haven, Michigan

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HEDGE BOX™

Japanese holly

Ilex crenata

'FARROWICUPRT'

PPAF

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Four upright narrow Hedge Box Japanese holly shrubs in a trial field with a line of arborvitae in the distance. "} The flat foliage of Hedge Box Japanese holly. Hedge Box japanese holly with flat blue-green leaves.
  • Columnar Habit
  • Flat Leaves
  • Narrow boxwood alternative
Description

Super dense and with a broad, upright habit, Hedge Box Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) is the perfect evergreen for narrow, space-saving hedges– with no worries about blight or moths like boxwood. Not only is this selection fast-growing enough to be profitable, but it also has flat leaves, which make it inhospitable to spider mites compared to the usual spoon-shaped foliage of the species. It has demonstrated excellent hardiness here in our Michigan trial garden. 

USDA Zone
5 - 9 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
4-7'
Width
2-3'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Evergreen
Bloom Time
Late spring
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

Soil

Ideally, grow in moist acidic soils with good drainage. Tolerates urban conditions well, however.

Pruning

Seldom needed, may be shaped in late winter.

Uses

Fastigiate habit makes this selection ideal for space-saving hedges, dramatic specimens, and containers.

Growing Tips

Chlorosis may occur on alkaline soils. Dense, upright habit all but eliminates the need to prune.

  • Boxwood Liners

    • Features: Evergreen, New, Clay soil, Foliage interest, Heat tolerant, Salt tolerant, Winter interest

    Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Japanese holly, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Evergreen, New, Clay soil, Foliage interest, Heat tolerant, Salt tolerant, Winter interest

    Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Japanese holly, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage