Evergreen Shrub – Compact Japanese Holly

Compact japanese holly 

Botanical name: Ilex crenata ‘compacta’ 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 6-8 ft in height and in spread 

Hardy zone:  zones 6-8 

Foliage color:  green 

Growth rate:  grows about 4-12 inches per year 

Pruning instructions: prune lightly in the late winter/early spring before new growth begins to emerge

Propagation methods:  propagate with cuttings in the summer/early fall 

Landscape use:  hedge, borders, mass planting, container plant, topiary 

Light needs: 4-6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: deer resistant, low maintenance, slow-growing

Watering instructions: allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions :  use a balanced shrub fertilizer once a year in the early spring before new growth begins to emerge 

Best time to plant:  spring or fall 

Best type of soil: sand or loam 

Companion plants: japanese maples, ferns, hostas, mondo grass

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: yes