- Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 4 - 6 Feet
- Mature Spread 12 Inches
- Growing Zones 5 - 9
- Use As A Thriller In Containers
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 6 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 Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 9 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 4 - 6 Feet |
Mature Spread: 12 Inches |
Spacing: 12 Inches |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Description: White Shades |
Bloom Period: Grown for Foliage |
Foliage Type: Evergreen, Variegated |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Yellow |
Foliage Description: Yellow Green |
Seasonal Interest: Fall Interest, Winter Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: N/A |
Tolerates: Salt |
Attracts: N/A |
Container Role: Thriller |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Edging, Specimen or Focal Point |
Features: Foliage Interest |
Brand: |
Common Name: Glow Stick Japanese Holly |
Other Name(s): Box-leaved holly |
Scientific Name: Ilex crenata 'NCIC2' |
- SKU:
- ILEGS123
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.

Quart Pot
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

2.5 Quart
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

#1 Pot
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

#2 Pot
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

#3 Pot
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

#5 Pot
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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Arrival Guarantee
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Free 1-Year Plant Warranty
All bushes, perennials & trees 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.

Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.