All Seasons Plant Finder

Other Names:  Boxleaf Holly

Description:

An exceptional evergreen shrub with a dense, compact, rounded shape; ideal for massing and garden detail use, tiny leaves add aesthetic value; takes pruning very well; does best in evenly moist, acidic soils; excellent cold hardiness

Ornamental Features

Stokes Japanese Holly has dark green evergreen foliage on a plant with a spreading habit of growth. The small glossy oval leaves remain dark green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Stokes Japanese Holly is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Insects
• Disease

Stokes Japanese Holly is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Stokes Japanese Holly will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have rich, acidic soils to ensure success, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.