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Ilex crenata Kinme

Ilex crenata Kinme
Japanese Holly, Box-leaved Holly

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A variety of crenate holly with a spreading and dense habit, particularly suitable for cloud pruning, it is a medium—to large-sized bush that is tolerant of regular pruning. It bears small evergreen, ovate leaves that are glossy dark green. Resistant to diseases and pests, it is an excellent alternative to boxwood and is mainly used in topiary art. The bush prefers non-scorching exposures, rather semi-shaded, and a location in rich, moist, and well-drained soil.  
Height at maturity
1.60 m
Spread at maturity
2.50 m
Exposure
Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -15°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November
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Flowering time September to October
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Description

The Ilex crenata 'Kinme' is a variety of crenate holly with a spreading and dense habit, well-suited for cloud pruning. It is a medium to large-sized shrub that responds well to regular pruning, resulting in a more compact and beautiful shape. It has small, glossy dark green evergreen leaves. Resistant to diseases and pests, it is an excellent alternative to boxwood. This Japanese holly variety is mainly used in topiary art.

Crenate holly is a shrub native to Japan, belonging to the Aquifoliaceae family. It is an understory shrub with the same requirements as common holly. It is a vigorous shrub that can tolerate temperatures as low as -15ºC, but does not thrive in hot and dry climates. Varieties with light or golden foliage prefer brighter exposure, while darker foliage thrives in filtered light. All hollies are dioecious plants, meaning there are male and female flowers on separate plants. Only the female plants produce fruits. 'Kinme' Japanese holly blooms from September to October with small, discreet white flowers. With its spreading and dense habit, it will be wider than tall, reaching a maximum height of 1.6m and a spread of 2.5m.

Of medium growth, malleable to suit individual preferences, 'Kinme' crenate holly will satisfy gardeners who appreciate well-maintained hedges and plant sculptures. It is particularly sensitive to limestone, which causes its beautiful foliage to turn yellow, and prefers well-draining, fertile soils. Hardy down to -15°C, it can thrive in all exposures, with a preference for partly shaded to shaded areas. The 'Kinme' cultivar, with its compact and spreading form, is well-suited for container planting, bonsai or cloud pruning, in front of an entrance or to frame a terrace. Japanese holly is a typical shrub in traditional Japanese gardens, planted alongside Japanese azaleas, Japanese maples, and camellias.

Hollies are both beloved and misunderstood plants. The genus comprises nearly 800 deciduous or evergreen species, generally native to the temperate northern hemisphere. These ancient plants have experienced the alternating periods of glacial and dry, hot periods in our climatic history, making them extremely adaptable and resilient. Their wood, white to cream in color, is very low in water content, even when green. It is dense and heavy, yet soft and easy to work with in woodworking. It is also an excellent fuel for heating, even when green. Lastly, their foliage and berries (inedible) are rich in caffeine. A tea is prepared with their leaves in the Black Forest.

 

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Holly: planting, pruning and care
Family sheet
by Eva 12 min.
Holly: planting, pruning and care
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Ilex crenata Kinme in pictures

Ilex crenata Kinme (Foliage) Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.60 m
Spread at maturity 2.50 m
Habit spreading
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour insignificant
Flowering time September to October
Inflorescence Panicle

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green
Product reference • 884181

Planting and care

To plant the 'Kinme' crenate holly, make a generous addition of compost and incorporate it into the soil of your garden to slightly acidify and enrich it. If your soil is rich in active limestone, the holly will tend to develop chlorosis (the foliage gradually turns yellow around the leaf veins). Choose a partially shaded or shaded location in a warm climate. Follow the watering (with non or low-limestone water) for the first 3 years, especially during dry spells, to help the bush establish itself. It will then manage on its own as it tolerates drought quite well. Ilex can be attacked by holly leaf miners, white scale insects in spring, and mites and aphids in summer. Consider applying a preventive treatment at the beginning of the season. Ilex crenata prefers climates that combine cold winters and mild summers.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge, Undergrowth
Type of use Free-standing, Container, Hedge
Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Exposure Partial shade, Shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, draining, humus-bearing, fairly rich

Care

Pruning instructions Pruning is not essential in a free hedge, but preferable for a bush planted in isolation or grown in a container. Prune the bush either once in early summer or twice a year in May and September. Pruning twice allows for better control of the shape of your holly bush.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time May to June, September
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

Planting & care advice

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