
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
For a Japanese holly that is hardier than most, why not try Chilly Willy Japanese Holly? This Ilex Crenata produces a mass of small green leaves forming a pleasing rounded shape up to 5 to 6 feet high and 6 to 8 feet wide. As an evergreen Japanese holly, Chilly Willy will provide interest and structure over the winter months.
With its naturally attractive shape, Chilly Willy Japanese Holly needs only a little ongoing care to keep it looking good. Furthermore, it can cope with either sun or shade. This Ilex crenata will look great either when planted as a specimen at the back of a border or when planted in a row to form a hedge.
Chilly Willy Japanese Holly Plant Care
Thankfully, Chilly Willy will tolerate both full sun and partial shade. It will cope with most soil types but prefers moist, but well-drained soil. When it comes to watering, Chilly Willy requires the soil to be kept moist until it has established; avoid overly wet or soggy soil as this can lead to root rot. To encourage fresh new growth, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring.
To shape this Japanese holly, you can trim it in spring or mid-summer. However, don’t prune too late in the summer or fall, as the new growth can get nipped by an early frost.
Chilly Willy Japanese Holly Plant Spacing
When mature, the Chilly Willy Japanese Holly can reach a spread of 6 to 8 feet wide. As a standalone shrub, you can plant it 7 to 8 feet from other plants, or closer to form a knitted hedge row.
Chilly Willy Japanese Holly Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 5 - 6 Feet |
Mature Spread: 6 - 8 Feet |
Spacing: 6 - 8 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Deep green foliage |
Seasonal Interest: Winter Interest, 4 Season Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: N/A |
Tolerates: N/A |
Attracts: N/A |
Container Role: |
Uses: Mass Planting |
Features: Foliage Interest |
Brand: |
Common Name: Chilly Willy Japanese Holly |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: Ilex crenata Winterscape Chilly Willy |
- SKU:
- 1231014411-pc
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
All bushes, perennials & trees come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.