Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The aptly named Glow Stick™ Japanese Holly will add some serious impact wherever you plant it. Forming a narrow column of golden-green foliage up to a maximum of 6 feet high, this Ilex crenata is perfect for adding some year-round height and interest. A smaller footprint makes it a valuable shrub for smaller spaces.
The Glow Stick™ Japanese Holly is suitable for growing in zones 5 to 9 and is considered drought tolerant once established. Furthermore, its attractive foliage can handle full sun and will not burn. Glow Stick™ is ideal for adding structure to a mixed border or for lining a pathway. It is also well suited to container growing or planting as a group.
Glow Stick™ Japanese Holly Care
The Glow Stick™ Japanese Holly performs best when it is grown in acidic soil that is fertile, well drained and moist. It prefers partial shade to full sun. To help it establish, regular irrigation is needed for the first two years, after which it can handle dry periods. Fertilizing with an evergreen-specific feed in early spring will help support growth and provide the nutrients needed.
Minimal, if any, pruning is required for the Glow Stick™ Japanese Holly. If needed, you can lightly trim the branches in late winter. Container-grown specimens will require more frequent watering than those grown directly in the ground.
Glow Stick™ Japanese Holly Spacing
When fully grown, the Glow Stick™ Japanese Holly can reach 4 to 6 feet tall and 1 foot wide. Space each plant 12 inches apart to create a continuous hedge.
Glow Stick™ Japanese Holly Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 9 (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
- 4-6 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 1 Foot
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White
- Flower Description
- White
- Bloom Time
- Late 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
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen, Variegated
- Seasonal Interest
- , Fall Interest, Winter Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Glow Stick Japanese Holly
- Also Known As
- Box-leaved holly
- Botanical Name
- Ilex crenata 'NCIC2'
- Brand
- Proven Winners
- 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.
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!