Japanese Holly
Ilex crenata
Traits
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Jul 19, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Japanese Holly
Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) is an evergreen shrub from eastern Asia with small, dark, finely toothed leaves that closely resemble boxwood, producing tiny black berries. It is extensively used for hedges, topiaries, and formal foundation plantings as a boxwood alternative in warm climates. Starting at $14.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Japanese holly grows well in full sun to part shade in NE Florida. It tolerates more sun than other shade-preferring shrubs but should be protected from intense afternoon sun in summer to prevent heat stress.
Water regularly during establishment, then maintain moderate moisture. Japanese holly tolerates NE Florida's summer rains well provided soil is well-drained; drought can cause leaf drop and decline.
Grow in slightly acidic, well-drained soil. In NE Florida's sandy soils, amend with organic matter at planting and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring. Maintain a 2–3 inch organic mulch layer to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.
Similar needs
Crape Jasmine
Shares 3 of the same needs: similar light, moderate water, and sandy.
Cardinal Flower
Shares 3 of the same needs: similar light, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Elephant Ear
Shares 3 of the same needs: similar light, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
Swamp Milkweed
Shares 3 of the same needs: similar light, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
Alstroemeria
Shares 4 of the same needs: similar light, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
American Beech
Shares 4 of the same needs: similar light, moderate water, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
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Common questions
Is Japanese Holly a good plant for St. Augustine?
Japanese Holly is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 5-10 feet × 5-10 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.