Ilex Crenata Convexa (Japanese holly)

Ilex Crenata Convexa (Ilex Convexa)

This Japanese holly is very  popular. Not surprising, because it is a very strong plant that always stays green. In addition, maintenance is a breeze. For example, you only need to prune it once a year, because the plant grows quite slowly: only about 15 to 30 centimeters per year. In May and June, the Ilex Crenata Convexa blooms with beautiful, white flowers, which spread a nice scent. After that, inconspicuous black currants appear. Your garden will always have "guests", such as birds, butterflies and bees. A beautiful sight to behold. This hedge plant resembles the boxwood plant and is also a great substitute. The boxwood moth and boxwood caterpillar have absolutely no influence on the Ilex Crenata Convexa.

This hedge plant originated in Japan and China and is therefore sometimes called the Chinese holly, in addition to Japanese holly. It for many years is has been found on other continents. Also in Europe. And this plant is doing more than well in all these parts of the world.

Why choose a hedge of Japanese holly Ilex Crenata Convexa?

• It is a beautiful plant.
• In May and June the plant gets white, nice smelling flowers. These and the black currants attract bees, birds and butterflies. So you will get a lot of activity in your garden.
• The Japanese holly is winter hardy.
• The hedge plant remains green in winter.
• It is a very good substitute for boxwood: in appearance but also in maintenance. The boxwood moth and boxwood caterpillar do not harm the Ilex Convexa. A big plus compared to the boxwood.
• Do you like tight hedges? This one is very fine and it is easy to prune. Would you like to create a certain shape? That is also possible.
• If you have little time or do not feel like pruning, that's okay, because you only need to prune this plant once a year.
• The Ilex Crenata Convexa is very easy to maintain.

When is the best time to plant the hedge?

The ideal time to plant the Ilex Crenata Convexa is between September and May. But avoid the time when temperatures drop below freezing.

How do you plant a Japanese holly hedge?

1. Make sure you remove all weeds from the soil where you will plant the hedge. The plants need the moisture and nutrients themselves.
2. Dig a trench that is not too deep. Tip: stretch a rope between two sticks before digging. This will give you a nice, sleek hedge.
3. Put a little potting compost into the trench. This gives the hedge a good start with a bit more minerals and nutrients.
4. Put some of the excavated soil on the potting soil. The roots like to stand on loose, well-drained soil.
5. First place the hedge plants along the trench where you want to plant them.
6. Are you satisfied with the distribution? Place the plants in the trench. Put them upright and right in the center. This is really important. Because otherwise your hedge will grow crooked.
7. Fill the trench with soil and press down well.
8. Give the plants enough water.

Tips

The plants like to see in the sun or partial shade. Keep this in mind.

The Ilex Crenata Convexa is very easy in terms of soil in which it is planted. However, it doesn’t like calcareous soil. It does like acidic soil though.

Make sure the plants are in soil that is slightly moist. In dry, warm periods, give plenty of water twice a week. However, they also don’t like a soil that is very wet, this can cause the roots to rot. Try to find a happy medium.

Placement

With the Japanese holly Ilex Crenata Convexa it is best to create hedges of a maximum height of 80 cm. Keep in mind that the plants must have enough space to grow. You need between three to five plants per linear meter. The Ilex Convexa grows about 15 to 30 centimeters per year.

Advice & Care

• Water the hedge enough, but make sure the soil is not too wet.
• Fertilize the Japanese holly hedge every spring. Use environmentally friendly organic fertilizers. The nutrients are released gradually. We prefer the organic fertilizer to the chemical fertilizer. With the latter, the roots are immediately given a burst of nutrients that they cannot absorb all at once. As a result, a lot of it is lost when it rains.
• Prune the Ilex Crenata Convexa once a year between May and September with sharp pruning shears. Do not do this in direct sunlight, as this can burn the leaves. It is best to prune on a cloudy day.

Treating known conditions

The Ilex Convexa is a strong hedge plant. It is known for its extremely good health. It is not bothered by (fungal) diseases and pests.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Ilex Convexa

Benefits

• This hedge plant remains green; all year round.
• The plant is winter hardy.
• It is easy to prune.
• The plant grows slowly, so pruning once a year is enough.
• The Japanese holly is a good alternative to the boxwood.
• The hedge is long-lived. So you will enjoy it for many years.

Cons

• The plant is only suitable for creating a low hedge.
• He doesn't like wet "feet". Do not water the hedge too little, but certainly not too much.
• Calcareous soil is definitely not its favorite, but it does like acidic soil.
• The currants are poisonous. So be careful with small children and pets.

Conclusion

Are you looking for a strong, winter hardy and evergreen low hedge with graceful, convex leaves? Then the Ilex Crenata Convexa is the perfect hedge plant for you. It is also an ideal replacement for the boxwood hedge.

Convinced? Place your order. Do you have any questions? Contact Haagplanten Heijnen.