![Compact Japanese Holly as a foundation planting](http://gardengoodsdirect.com/cdn/shop/files/compact-japanese-holly-28806931939370_x560.progressive.jpg?v=1695368939)
Images Depict Mature Plants
Compact Japanese Holly Shrubs
Compact Japanese Holly is an evergreen shrub covered in small glossy leaves year-round. In the spring, Japanese holly shrubs produce small, greenish-white flowers; that are favorites of honeybees.
The ornamental shrub's flowers become black fruits over the summer months. This shrub grows into dense, rounded bushes that grow to 6 feet tall and wide.
Botanically referenced as 'Japanese Holly Ilex Crenata Compacta,' the Japanese Holly has been classified as a fairly easy and low maintenance shrub. Ideal conditions for these hardy landscape plants includes full sun to partial shade and slightly acidic soils.
Once your Holly plants' root systems are established, they become hardy to most conditions. This includes periods of drought and a variety of soil conditions. Did we mention there is no pruning necessary to keep the compact Japanese Holly in its dense round form? Other reasons to love these sleek yard shrubs include the bush's resistance to pests and disease.
The Japanese Holly will work for various landscape projects, most popular for use in hedges or as foundation plants. But they are simple enough not to draw too much attention away from other specimen plants.
![Compact Japanese Holly Hardiness Zone 6-9](http://gardengoodsdirect.com/cdn/shop/files/usda-plant-hardiness-zone-6-9_520x.jpg?v=12836399902009809092)
Hardiness Zone: | 6-9 |
---|---|
Mature Height: | 5 to 6 Feet |
Mature Width: | 5 to 6 Feet |
Classification: | Broad leaved evergreen shrub |
Sunlight: | Full sun |
Habit: | Densely branched; mounding |
Foliage: | Dark green |
Flower Color: | White flowers that produce black berries |
Pruning Season: | Prune in late spring to maintain shape |
Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as in the mixed border, foundations, or planted in mass |
How to Care for Compact Japanese Holly
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy plant for years to come!
![Should I Mulch My Japanese Holly Shrubs?](https://cdn.accentuate.io/2430698487872/6051903569984/mulch-icon-v1623181765404.png?95x86)
Should I Mulch My Japanese Holly Shrubs?
Your Japanese Holly shrubs enjoy moist soil conditions, and one way to ensure their soil remains moist, even during the hot summer months, is to mulch around the base. Spread a few inches of organic mulch over the planting area but a few inches away from the stem. Mulching will not only help with moisture retention, but it will help keep weeds away from your plants too. Weeds can creep up on your garden plants when they are competing for your plant's moisture or nutrients. However, mulching around your plants helps diminish this risk almost entirely.
![When Should I Prune my Japanese Holly Shrubs?](https://cdn.accentuate.io/2430698487872/6051903569984/pruning-v1623181934166.png?89x89)
When Should I Prune my Japanese Holly Shrubs?
When it comes to Japanese Holly shrubs, pruning is a crucial part of their caretaking. You can trim off branch tips to remove any dead wood. Pruning their branches will also help shape your plant to look more aesthetically appealing. Similar to boxwoods, Japanese Holly shrubs tolerate shearing. Because they can withstand heavy shearing, it makes them the perfect choice as an evergreen shrub if you decide to use them that way. Pruning your shrubs also helps create space for new growth to emerge. Instead of your plant focusing its energy on dead and dying limbs, it is focusing on producing new healthy and strong branches.