Japanese Holly 'Compacta' 3 Gallon

Ilex crenata 'Compacta'

A great alternative to boxwood, this dwarf, broadleaf evergreen presents as a dense, ball-shaped plant. It has small, glossy dark green leaves. Compact Japanese Holly is an evergreen shrub, but unlike its 10 foot tall parent, it will grow to 6 feet high and wide making it a good choice for a tall ground cover that works well as a foundation plant, hedge, or in small groups in a shrub border. Compact Japanese Holly is also good in formal gardens and, because it tolerates pruning, for topiary. Individual plants may be male or female, with only females producing small black berries in late summer, if a male is nearby. Plant in well-drained, amended soil. Water well after planting; maintain 1 inch of water once a week the first year. Little pruning needed; shapes itself nicely. Remove dead branches trunk suckers or shear any time. When necessary, prune in spring to early summer. Fertilize in early spring, mid-summer and fall with an acidic fertilizer. Follow label instructions. Mulch 2 inches to suppress weeds, retain moisture and protect against extremes of soil temperature. Wrap in burlap or spray with Wilt-stop to protect from winter desiccation.

• Sun to Part Shade
• 6-8' h x 6-10' w
• Deer Resistant
• Evergreen