Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
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 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
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 4 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 6-7 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White
- Flower Description
- White
- Bloom Time
- Spring
- 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, Yellow
- Foliage Description
- Green, Yellow Variegated
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , 4 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Drops of Gold Japanese Holly
- Botanical Name
- ILEX CRENATA 'DROPS OF GOLD'
- 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
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
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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!