Ilex crenata 'Compacta'

Compact Japanese holly is a cultivar of Ilex crenata (box leaved holly). It is a low, compact, globose version of its parent plant known for its small black fruit, rich dark green foliage, and spreading habit. There are several plants marketed under this cultivar name. The best-known was introduced by Tingle Nursery and is male.

Compact Japanese holly, like its parent, is an evergreen shrub, but unlike its 10-foot-tall parent, it will grow to 6 feet high and wide making it a good choice for a tall ground cover that works well as a foundation plant, hedge, or in small groups in a shrub border. Compact Japanese holly is also good in formal gardens and, because it tolerates pruning, for topiary.

The compact Japanese holly likes full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of poor, sandy soil but prefers clay. It is intolerant of alkaline soil and drought. It is easy to transplant, is urban tolerant, but has pest problems. It may not thrive in areas with high heat and humidity (USDA zones 8 and 9). The species is dioecious (meaning individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant, thus both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). It is pollinated by bees and is not self-fertile.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Can be susceptible to pest problems. Spider mites and nematodes are occasional pests.  Alkaline soils will cause the leaves to yellow.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and insect pests.

More information on Ilex crenata.