Description
Ilex crenata 'Convexa' 30-40 cm | Japanese holly
The Ilex crenata 'Convexa', commonly known as the Japanese holly, is a versatile and robust plant ideal for crafting block hedges and structured garden designs. With its small, glossy, and convex leaves that maintain a rich palette of cream, yellow, and green throughout the year, this evergreen species adds continuous vibrancy to gardens across seasons.
Key Features
The Ilex crenata 'Convexa' is renowned for its adaptability to a variety of soil conditions, provided they are well-drained. This plant thrives in full sun, partial shade, or full shade, making it an excellent choice for diverse garden locations. With moderate growth rates and a requirement for minimal pruning, typically once a year, Ilex crenata 'Convexa' is an ideal low-maintenance option for gardeners seeking a visually dense hedge. It is winter hardy down to USDA zone 6, enduring temperatures as low as -23.3°C. Additionally, the white blossoms that grace this plant in spring and early summer offer a subtle, yet delightful contrast to the foliage.
Tips
To ensure the health and beauty of your Ilex crenata 'Convexa', consistent watering is necessary, especially if the plant is not situated in an area that receives natural precipitation. When it comes to propagation, semi-ripe cuttings taken during the growing season, or hardwood cuttings in autumn or winter, can be used to expand your collection. While the Japanese holly is forgiving with pruning, shaping the plant annually will maintain its dense and tidy appearance. Always remember, though, to protect this evergreen from severe drought conditions to keep it thriving.