Ilex crenata 'STOKES' Japanese holly

Stokes is an elegant and small variety of Japanese holly. This evergreen shrub grows slowly and makes small, elliptic, deep green and glossy leaves that are almost flat. Its branches form a frond-like structure when young, resulting in tiered effect later.

This holly will look great as a small specimen in tiny gardens and front yards, or can be used in mixed borders, and is suitable for bonsai making.

It can be pruned and clipped in almost any way in early spring or by end July. Japanese holly is usually trouble-free, tolerates any soil and can withstand summer dry spells once established. However, for best results and leaf colour grow it in medium fertile, moist but well-drained acid soil. Fully hardy to min. -27°C (USDA zone 5b), probably yet a little more.

Last update: 13-02-2012