It's no wonder that the Japanese holly Ilex crenata is threatening to replace boxwood as a hedge plant. In contrast to boxwood, Ilex crenata is hardly susceptible to disease. Care is quite simple, making holly an ideal beginner plant.
How do I properly care for an Ilex crenata?
Ilex crenata care includes proper watering, fertilizing, cutting, transplanting and overwintering. Ensure adequate moisture, use organic fertilizers, prune when necessary, transplant only when necessary and protect young plants in winter.
How do you water Ilex crenata correctly?
Ilex crenata tolerates neither too much nor too little moisture. You must avoid waterlogging at all costs.
Provide a water-permeable soil or create drainage in the pot.
Rainwater is best suited for watering. If you need to supply the holly with tap water, let the water stand for some time beforehand.
When and should Ilex crenata be fertilized?
Fertilizing is only necessary for very young plants. If you don't want to do without fertilizer, use organic materials such as compost and horn shavings (€32.00 on Amazon). It is better to fertilize less than too much.
From the end of July, Ilex crenata will no longer be fertilized.
Do you need to prune the Japanese holly?
You don't have to cut the Ilex. If you like it, just let it grow. But it tolerates pruning very well. If you want to cut into shape, remember that holly is a slow-growing tree.
When do you need to transplant or repot Ilex crenata?
You should only transplant Ilex crenata outdoors if it is absolutely necessary.
When caring for it in a pot, it may become necessary to replant the Ilex after a few years because the roots no longer have enough space.
What diseases and pests can occur?
Illnesses are very rare and usually due to care errors. In very humid locations, fungal diseases can occur.
Spider mites usually appear in very dry times.
A he althy Ilex crenata copes well with diseases and pests. Only weakened plants can die in the event of an infestation.
How do you overwinter the Japanese holly?
- Put up a mulch cover outdoors
- protect young plants with fleece
- water occasionally
Tip
Ilex crenata prefers a location that is as bright as possible. You should not plant the Japanese holly directly in a wind tunnel. The soil must not be too acidic.
