Drops of Gold Japanese Holly

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4 Feet

Mature Spread

6-7 Feet

Growing Zones

6 to 8

Drops of Gold Japanese Holly make a fabulous splash of bright color and has the same shape and size as a common boxwood. The oval, evergreen leaves are splashed with bright golden yellow variegation that does not fade in the summer sun and heat. The naturally compact growth habit makes for a low-maintenance replacement for any boxwood plants that have been struck down by the deadly Boxwood Blight. Unlike boxwood, Japanese Holly has blooms and black berries that are irresistible to birds.

Japanese Holly works well as low-maintenance hedges and foundation plantings. Drops of Gold has a more uniform look when less pruning is done to it. The foliage deep inside this shrub tends to stay a solid dark green. Tight, formal shearing of the branches will result in almost a two-tone effect, revealing the dark foliage inside until it has time to turn light in the sun. Unlike most other yellow colored evergreens, Drops of Gold does a great job of remaining bright and fresh even in the hottest and sunniest locations.

Drops of Gold Japanese Holly Care

Drops of Gold will be almost carefree when its basic requirements are met. It grows best in full sun and well-drained but moisture-retentive soil. It is adaptable to many soil types and prefers a slightly acidic pH. Consistent watering in the first few years is necessary. Extra irrigation during hot and dry periods may be required.

Pruning is best done in mid-summer. Annual light shaping is better than hard pruning every few years. Rejuvenation using a hard cut back is possible. Cutting into the woody branches to encourage new growth is much more successful for Japanese Holly than other evergreen shrubs. Mulching with an organic compost or leaves in the fall will help protect roots in the colder hardiness zones.

Drops of Gold Japanese Holly Spacing

Japanese Holly come in a range of shapes and sizes. Drops of Gold has the classic compact mounded shape. A mature height of 4 feet and a width of 6-7 feet. Planting these shrubs at 6 foot on center will ensure that there is plenty of air circulation and space for the branches to stretch out.