Ilex crenata 'Convexa'

Common Name(s):

Description

Convexa Japanese Holly is a handsome evergreen shrub in the Aquifoliaceae family. It is an extremely dense shrub that does well with heavy pruning and topiary for hedging and grows up to 8 1/5". The plant flowers in late spring and its fruits ripen in the fall. The fruits are black and not showy and the leaves are usually smaller than the 'Hetzii' or 'Latifolia' cultivars. It tolerates drought and air pollution, as well as poor, sandy, and clay soils. The plant has a slow growth rate, likes to be in the shade, is easily transplanted, and does not like Alkaline soils. This holly is susceptible to spider mites and iron and nitrogen deficiencies.

Quick ID Hints:

Undersides of leaves are dotted with black glands.
New stems are green and turn grayish after 2 or 3 years.
Leaf is convex, around 1cm, and too small to fit on a fingertip.
The small green leaves are crenate and all are convex.

More information on Ilex crenata.

Ilex crenata 'Convexa' Wendy Cutler CC BY 2.0

Attributes:
Genus:

Ilex

Species:

crenata

Family:

Aquifoliaceae

Life Cycle:

Woody

Recommended Propagation Strategy:

Stem Cutting

Country Or Region Of Origin:

Japan

Wildlife Value:

The small fragrant flowers attract bees. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi.

Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):

Moderately resistant to damage by deer

Dimensions:

Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.

Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.

Whole Plant Traits:
Plant Type:

Shrub

Leaf Characteristics:

Broadleaf Evergreen

Habit/Form:

Dense

Erect

Spreading

Growth Rate:

Slow

Maintenance:

Medium

Texture:

Medium

Cultural Conditions:
Light:

Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)

Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)

Soil Texture:

High Organic Matter

Loam (Silt)

Sand

Soil pH:

Acid (<6.0)

Soil Drainage:

Good Drainage

Available Space To Plant:

3 feet-6 feet

NC Region:

Coastal

Mountains

Piedmont

Usda Plant Hardiness Zone:

5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Fruit:
Fruit Color:

Black

Display/Harvest Time:

Fall

Fruit Type:

Berry

Drupe

Fruit Length:

< 1 inch

Fruit Width:

< 1 inch

Fruit Description:

Inconspicuous globose, berry-like black drupe that is slightly greater than 1/5" in length. Only female plants have fruits. Fruits ripen in fall and are not showy.

Flowers:
Flower Color:

Green

White

Flower Inflorescence:

Cyme

Flower Bloom Time:

Spring

Flower Petals:

4-5 petals/rays

Flower Size:

< 1 inch

Flower Description:

Non-showy greenish white flowers in spring that form in clusters of 2 to 3 and are 2/10' in length. Flowers bloom in late spring.

Leaves:
Leaf Characteristics:

Broadleaf Evergreen

Leaf Color:

Black

Green

Purple/Lavender

Leaf Feel:

Glossy

Leathery

Smooth

Waxy

Leaf Type:

Simple

Leaf Arrangement:

Alternate

Leaf Shape:

Elliptical

Lanceolate

Oblong

Obovate

Leaf Margin:

Crenate

Serrate

Hairs Present:

No

Leaf Length:

< 1 inch

Leaf Width:

< 1 inch

Leaf Description:

Leaves are glossy black-green in color and the underside of the leaves are dotted with blackish pellucid glands. The leaf is too small to fit on a fingertip (around 2/5"-1/2" in length), and are crenate and convex.

Stem:
Stem Color:

Brown/Copper

Green

Stem Is Aromatic:

No

Stem Surface:

Hairy (pubescent)

Stem Description:

Stems are green on current season of growth and turn gray-green to gray-brown by year 2 or 3. Young stems are often densely pubescent.

Landscape:
Landscape Location:

Coastal

Container

Lawn

Patio

Recreational Play Area

Slope/Bank

Walkways

Landscape Theme:

Formal English Garden

Pollinator Garden

Design Feature:

Border

Foundation Planting

Hedge

Mass Planting

Small groups

Attracts:

Bees

Pollinators

Specialized Bees

Resistance To Challenges:

Deer