Blue holly and Japanese holly are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, specimen). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Ilex × meserveae 2 m × 1.5 m after 10 years
A dense evergreen shrub with glossy, blue-green, spiny leaves that is much hardier than English holly, so it works both as an impenetrable hedge and…
Ilex crenata 1.2 m × 1 m after 10 years
A small-leaved, glossy, spineless evergreen that looks deceptively like box when clipped, so it is planted in its place for low hedges, edging and…
Blue holly is hardier: down to -29 °C, against -23 °C for Japanese holly.
Japanese holly tolerates drought better than Blue holly.
Blue holly needs less care than Japanese holly.
Japanese holly is cheaper: about €3 at the size usually planted, against about €9.40 for Blue holly.
|
Feature
|
Blue holly
|
Japanese holly
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 2 m × 1.5 m | 1.2 m × 1 m |
| Ultimate size | 1.5–4.5 m × 1–3.6 m | 1.5–3 m × 1.5–2.4 m |
| Growth rate | Slow | Slow |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | April–May, white | May–June, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Planting distance | 80 cm | 40 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Toxic | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Toxic | Mildly toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €9.40 | approx. €3 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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