If you want a boxwood-like look with the texture of a holly, Ilex crenata 'Hoogendorn' (Japanese Holly 'Hoogendorn') is a dependable evergreen shrub for clean lines and year-round structure. It grows into a dense, rounded plant with small, glossy, dark green leaves and a naturally neat habit that fits well in foundation plantings, low hedges, and borders.

Place it where your planting gets full sun to part shade. For best performance, give it acidic, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist during establishment. Once rooted in, it can handle short dry spells, but it will look best with occasional deep watering during extended drought and a 2-3 inch mulch layer to keep roots cool and conserve moisture.

Plan on a mature size of about 48-60 inches tall, with steady, moderate growth. You can prune after the spring flush to keep a crisp outline, maintain a low hedge, or refine a rounded form. A light, selective trim is usually all that is needed, but it also tolerates more substantial shaping when you want a formal look.

Japanese hollies prefer acidic conditions; in higher-pH soils, foliage can yellow and growth can stall. If your soil tends alkaline, use an acidifying mulch and monitor with a soil test so you can adjust early. Set plants in protected spots if you garden in windy winter areas, and keep watering consistent through the first growing season for the best cold-weather resilience.

Specifications

• Cold hardiness zone: 6-9 (-10 degrees F) - Contact your local extension to confirm hardiness if you are in a fringe zone (we cannot guarantee hardiness in fringe zones)
• Light: Full sun   Part sun
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Mature height: 48-60"
• Spread: 60-72"
• Tolerant of: Deer, Drought
• Good for borders & edging: Yes
• Evergreen: Yes

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