Ilex crenata Glorie Dwarf - Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata 'Glorie Dwarf' is a variety of campanulate holly with slow growth and a very compact habit. As wide as it is tall, it has small, shiny, non-prickly, evergreen dark green leaves. Its small size, very dense foliage, and excellent pruning ability make it ideal for topiary. It thrives in partial shade to full sun and requires a slightly moist, well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil. It is a good alternative to boxwood in favourable conditions.

Ilex crenata, the species type, is native to temperate regions of Asia (China, Japan, Russia). It was introduced to Europe in the 19th century and to France in 1895. It has rigid branches, small shiny green leaves with a convex shape resembling boxwood leaves and measuring 1 cm to 3 cm (0.4 in to 1.2 in) in length. In May-June, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers appear. It is a dioecious plant, meaning that an individual is either female or male. In autumn, female plants bear small, black, shiny berries measuring 2 mm to 6 mm (0.08 in to 0.2 in) that last throughout winter. In its native habitat, this shrub can reach over 5 m (16.4 ft) in height. Numerous selected varieties have much smaller growth, and 'Glorie Dwarf' only reaches about 70 cm (27.6 in) in all directions. Its main quality lies in its very dense branching and shiny dark green leaves, which are slightly dentate (crenate) and do not exceed 2 cm to 3 cm (0.8 in to 1.2 in) in length. This is a female clone.

'Glorie Dwarf' can be shaped into a ball, low hedge, or other forms. It can be planted alongside other plants with miniature foliage, such as Acaena inermis 'Purpurea', a charming perennial ground cover with intricately cut foliage ranging from purple to red, occasionally with a touch of green. The small 'Dickson's Gold' campanula with yellow-green foliage and star-shaped blue flowers will also be a good companion for our miniature holly. Due to its slow growth, reduced mature size, and excellent tolerance to pruning, Ilex crenata 'Glorie Dwarf' is also well-suited for container or decorative pot cultivation.

Ilex crenata 'Glorie Dwarf' is a perfect alternative to boxwood, as it is not susceptible to Cylindrocladium buxicola, a parasite of boxwood. It is also resistant to the Box Tree Moth, which rapidly defoliates the poor shrubs it invades.