Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Hedge Box™ Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata 'FARROWICUPRT') creates a polished evergreen hedge that holds its neat shape year-round. Our growing tests confirm it fills out quickly without common boxwood issues like blight or box moths. Flat, glossy foliage keeps away spider mites more effectively than the spoon-shaped leaves of related cultivars. It grows to around 4 to 7 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, offering a refined, space-saving profile that suits tight borders and formal plantings.
Hedge Box™ has an upright growth habit that forms a dense wall of greenery and tolerates heat, salt, and even compact urban soils. Native to parts of Asia, this hardy holly adapts well to many growing zones, staying attractive in all seasons. You can use it for slender privacy screens, trimmed hedges, specimen accents, or to anchor container designs on patios. Minimal pruning needs and proven winter reliability underscore its low-maintenance appeal.
Hedge Box™ Japanese Holly Care
Plant it in moderately acidic, well-draining soil, enriched with compost if available. Aim for at least four hours of direct sunlight daily, though partial shade in hotter regions can help prevent stress. Water consistently during the first growing season, tapering off once roots establish. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring will keep foliage fresh and growth steady.
Trim lightly in late winter if you prefer a more tailored shape, removing any weak or stray stems. In cold climates, apply mulch around the base to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature. Container-grown shrubs need a porous potting mix, plus attentive watering in extended heat. Be mindful that overly large containers can retain excess moisture, leading to potential root problems.
Hedge Box™ Japanese Holly Spacing
If forming a narrow hedge or border, space plants about 2 feet apart for a dense look as they mature. Wider intervals of 3 feet suit mass plantings or looser screens. Smaller pots around 12 inches wide are typically sufficient for a new shrub, though you can choose a larger container if you monitor soil moisture carefully.
Hedge Box 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 Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 2-3 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3-4 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- Flower Description
- Non-flowering
- 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
- Foliage Description
- Dark green
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering, Fall Interest, 4 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Hedge Box Japanese Holly
- Also Known As
- Ilex crenata
- Botanical Name
- Ilex crenata 'FARROWICUPRT'
- Brand
- Proven Winners
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
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
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!