- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 4 Feet
- Mature Spread 4 Feet
- Growing Zones 6 - 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.
Drops of Gold Japanese Holly Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 - 8 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 4 Feet |
Mature Spread: 6 - 7 Feet |
Spacing: 6 - 7 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Yellow |
Foliage Description: Variegated |
Seasonal Interest: 4 Season Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Hedges & Privacy, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Drops of Gold Japanese Holly |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: ILEX CRENATA `DROPS OF GOLD` |
- SKU:
- 1231003423-pc
Container Sizes
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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.