What soil does Japanese holly grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, acidic.

Is Japanese holly hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

Is Japanese holly toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How far from the house should Japanese holly be planted?

Plant it at least 1 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Japanese holly be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 40 cm between plants. For a hedge, allow 5 plants per metre.

How much water does Japanese holly need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Japanese holly cost?

It sells for roughly €3 to €450 in local shops, depending on size.

Japanese holly

Ilex crenata

Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) is a hedge plant. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €3.

Illustration of Japanese holly — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

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 clipped balls, and the box tree moth leaves it alone. It takes hard pruning well but grows slowly and is fussier than it looks: it wants slightly acidic, evenly moist, free-draining soil. On limy ground and in hot, dry summers it yellows and thins out, so check your soil first.

Watch out for

In Central Europe it is planted as a box replacement but disappoints in many gardens: on alkaline, limy soil the leaves yellow from iron chlorosis and then drop, and it copes badly both with hot, dry summers and with winter waterlogging. In a limy garden it is only worth trying in acidified planting compost with regular watering. Spider mites move in during drought and Phytophthora root rot kills it in wet soil; in hard, windy winters the foliage can scorch, and yellow-leaved varieties are more sensitive.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 1.2 m × 1 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, white

Group	Hedge
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.2 m × 1 m
Ultimate size	1.5–3 m × 1.5–2.4 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	May–June, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €3

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
15-25 cm	approx. €3
140-160 cm	approx. €450
size not stated	approx. €30

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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Hedge plants Evergreen hedge plants Evergreen plants Plants for containers

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