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shrub

Kufujin Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata 'Kufujin'

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Kufujin Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata 'Kufujin') at Lakeshore Garden Centres

Kufujin Japanese Holly foliage

Kufujin Japanese Holly foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  30 inches

Spread:  4 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  6b

Other Names:  Boxleaf Holly

Description:

A dwarf selection that is dense, compact, low and wide; cream new growth matures to forest green with cream margins; ideal for massing and garden detail use; tiny leaves add aesthetic value; takes pruning very well; does best in evenly moist, acidic soils

Ornamental Features

Kufujin Japanese Holly has attractive forest green foliage edged in creamy white with hints of buttery yellow which emerges creamy white in spring on a plant with a spreading habit of growth. The small glossy oval leaves are highly ornamental and remain forest green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Kufujin 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

Kufujin Japanese Holly is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Border Edging
  • General Garden Use
  • Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Kufujin Japanese Holly will grow to be about 30 inches 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. This plant should not require much in the way of fertilizing once established, although it may appreciate a shot of general-purpose fertilizer from time to time early in the growing season. 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.

Kufujin Japanese Holly makes a fine choice for the outdoor landscape, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its spreading habit of growth, it is ideally suited for use as a 'spiller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the edges where it can spill gracefully over the pot. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. Be aware that in our climate, most plants cannot be expected to survive the winter if left in containers outdoors, and this plant is no exception. Contact our experts for more information on how to protect it over the winter months.

This plant is not reliably hardy in our region, and certain restrictions may apply; contact the store for more information.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight Soil pH Preference
Characteristics
Massing  Edging  Garden  Container 
Applications
Foliage Color  Winter Value  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features