Hoogendorn Japanese Holly

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4-5 Feet

Mature Spread

5-6 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Low growing and evergreen, Hoogendorn Japanese Holly is ideal for growing as a low hedge or edging for a pathway. Ilex crenata 'Hoogendorn' as it is botanically known, produces dark green, glossy, small leaves, which give a similar appearance to boxwood and look attractive throughout the winter. With a low and spreading habit, Hoogendorn is a tough and hardy evergreen that is perfect for adding structure and interest to any garden.

Being deer resistant, this holly is suitable for both urban and rural gardens. It requires regular watering while it gets established, but once it gets its roots down, it is wonderfully low maintenance. Widely used by landscapers due to its neat and dwarf habit, Hoogendorn Japanese Holly is often used to define borders and edge lawns. It is also highly suitable for container growing.  

Hoogendorn Japanese Holly Care

Hoogendorn Japanese Holly prefers to be grown in either full sun or partial shade. Being a tolerant shrub, it can cope with most soils as long as they are free draining. However, it does prefer moist soil, especially for the first few years after planting. Suitable for growing in zones 5 to 8, this Japanese holly is exceptionally cold hardy. To keep this plant healthy and promote lush, green growth, a slow-release, general fertilizer can be applied in early spring. 

To keep this shrub looking neat, any single wayward branches can simply be cut back using a pair of pruning shears at any time of the year. In spring, after its new growth appears, it can be given a trim to keep it to the desired size and shape. In exposed areas, a layer of mulch can be applied in the fall to protect the roots from the worst of the cold.

Hoogendorn Japanese Holly Spacing

The Hoogendorn Japanese Holly can grow to a final size of 4-5 feet high by 5-6 feet wide. When grown as a hedge, plants should be spaced at a distance of 3-6 feet apart, depending on how closely you want them to knit together. If you choose to grow this Japanese Holly in a planter, select a pot around 8 inches wider than its current root ball.