Japanese Holly

About this plant

Ilex crenata 'Hoogendorn,' commonly known as Japanese Holly, is a superior broadleaf evergreen shrub valued for its small, lustrous dark green leaves that resemble boxwood foliage. This cultivar maintains a dense, mounded habit without much pruning, making it an excellent choice for a low-maintenance landscape. Its compact size and fine texture lend themselves beautifully to a variety of garden applications, from precise formal hedges and borders to accent plantings and container specimens. Though insignificant, small white flowers may appear in spring, followed by tiny black berries in fall, which are generally hidden by the foliage. 'Hoogendorn' is particularly appealing for its robust nature and adaptability to different growing conditions once established, providing year-round structure and beauty to any garden design.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Prefers well-drained, acidic soil. Water regularly during dry spells and fertilize annually in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape or maintain size; however, 'Hoogendorn' naturally maintains a tidy form.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.