Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Broadleaf evergreens are great for formal or informal hedging and topiary. Japanese Holly has proven to be a reliable replacement for Boxwood shrubs in areas where Boxwood Blight has hit. And Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly is the perfect choice for a tall and wide shrub that will easily tolerate either formal or informal clipping. Chubby Hubby™, Ilex crenata, was developed to be the stouter mate to Straight and Narrow® Japanese Holly and sports the same flat, glossy leaves that are resistant to most pests and diseases.
Chubby Hubby™ is low maintenance and will grow in just about any garden condition. Japanese Holly is resistant to deer and rabbits and can easily be hard pruned for overall rejuvenation. The evergreen leaves remain deep green and fresh for 12 months, making this shrub ideal for four seasons of interest and anchoring an herbaceous perennial border.
Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly Care
Japanese Holly grows well in full sun or part shade and is tolerant of many different soil textures. It prefers acidic to neutral soil that is well draining. Fertilize Japanese Holly in the spring with a granular, slow-release food formulated for acid-loving trees and shrubs. Mulching around the root zone helps soil to retain moisture longer and lessens the need for supplemental watering in the summer. Soaker hoses and drip irrigation efficiently direct water to the root zone while keeping the foliage dry.
Chubby Hubby™ only requires pruning once a season for informal hedges. Early spring is the best time for pruning, as the shrub has summer to harden off for winter. Hard pruning is also best done in the early spring. Expect 1-2 feet of regrowth in the first year after a rejuvenation prune.
Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly Spacing
The mature size of Chubby Hubby™ is a stout 5-7 feet high and 3-4 feet wide. Place each shrub 4 feet apart on the center to construct a seamless hedge.
Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 6 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 5-7 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3-4 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- Flower Description
- White
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Dark Green
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , 4 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly
- Botanical Name
- Ilex crenata Chubby Hubby
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
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.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased 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.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!