Ilex Maximowicziana Kanehirae (Japanese holly)

Ilex Maximowicziana Kanehirae (Ilex Kanehirae)

The Ilex Maximowicziana Kanehirae is immensely popular. And there is a reason for that. It always looks beautiful all year round. The plant is also very easy to maintain. It blooms in May and June. Cute, white flowers then appear that also spread a nice scent. The butterflies and bees know where to find these flowers. Black currants will grow on the branches in autumn. They are hard to see, you have to sit down to see them, but birds will find these tasty snacks perfectly.

The plant originates in Japan and Korea, but fortunately it also grows in Europe and on other continents.

Why choose a Japanese holly hedge?

• There is no question: the Ilex Maximowicziana Kanehirae is a beautiful plant.
• The Japanese holly is winter hardy.
• The plant will also remain green throughout winter.
• It is a perfect boxwood substitute. The boxwood moth and boxwood caterpillar have no control over your Japanese holly.
• The hedge plant is very easy to maintain.
• Do you want to create a low hedge, a medium hedge or a high variety up to 2 meters? Everything is possible.
• The Ilex Kanehirae hedge can be kept nice and tight. For this to happen you need to prune it atleast twice a year.

When is the best time to plant the Ilex Maximowicziana Kanehirae?

The best time to plant this Japanese holly is between September and May. Just make sure it is not  freezing outside.

How do you plant a Japanese holly hedge?

• Make sure you have removed all weeds from the area you want to put the hedge. The Japanese holly desperately needs the moisture and nutrients from the soil for itself.
• Dig a trench, but not too deep and preferably one that is straight. Tip: stretch a rope between two sticks. This will help you arrange the plants in a straight line.
• Put a little potting compost in the trench. The hedge will receive some more minerals and nutrients. This way you ensure a good start.
• Put some of the excavated soil on the potting soil. The roots like to be on loose, well-drained soil.
• Place the Ilex Maximowicziana Kanehirae alongside the trench where you want it place them.
• Satisfied with the distribution? Place the hedge plants in the trench. Make sure they are upright and in the center. This is really important. Otherwise your hedge will grow crooked.
• Fill the trench with soil and press it down well.
• Water the plants sufficiently.

Tips

Plant the hedge in the sun or partial shade.

Don't confuse the Japanese holly with the boxwood, which likes limy soil. The Ilex Maximowicziana Kanehirae is absolutely does not like this at all. It likes acidic soil.

The Ilex Kanehirae prefers to be in moist soil. Water well twice a week in dry, warm periods. It is important not to give too much water, otherwise the roots can rot. Go for a happy medium.

Placement

The Japanese holly can reach a height of 2 meters. Therefor it is important that the individual plants have enough space to grow.

Keep three to five plants per linear meter.

The plant grows about 25 cm per year.

Advice & Care

• Water the hedge sufficiently, but avoid very wet soil.
• Give the Japanese holly hedge an environmentally friendly organic fertilizer every spring. The nutrients of this fertilizer are slowly released to the roots. As a result, the hedge plant never gets too much nutrition at once. We prefer the organic fertilizer to the chemical fertilizer. With the latter, the roots suddenly receive all the nutrients at once, which they cannot absorb. As a result, a lot is lost when it rains.
• Prune the Ilex Maximowicziana Kanehirae at least twice a year between May and September with a sharp pruning shears. Make sure the weather is cloudy. Never prune the hedge in direct sunlight, then the leaves can burn.

Treating known conditions

The Japanese holly is a strong hedge plant. He is known for his extremely good health. It is hardly bothered by (fungal) diseases and pests.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Ilex Maximowicziana Kanehirae

Benefits

• The Ilex Kanehirae stays green, all year round.
• The plant is winter hardy. You don't have to worry about it during the winter.
• It can be pruned very easy. Do this at least twice a year.
• It provides you with a lot of privacy, which is great with curious passers-by or neighbors.
• Are you looking for a replacement for your boxwood: you have found it here.
• You will enjoy this hedge for many years.
• It can be used to create high hedges, low or medium height. Whatever you want.

Cons

• Do not water the hedge too little, but certainly not too much.
• The currants are poisonous. So be careful with small children and pets.
• The plant prefers to be in acidic soil and it definitely doesn’t like calcareous soil, unlike the boxwood.

Conclusion

Choose the Japanese holly Ilex Maximowicziana Kanehirae if you want a graceful garden. The small, dark green leaves have a beautiful effect on your garden. All year round. This hedge plant requires little maintenance and is an ideal replacement for the boxwood. They look alike, but the Ilex Kanehirae is a lot stronger and not susceptible to the boxwood moth or boxwood caterpillar. Are you also very fond of your privacy? This hedge is a top choice.

Made up your mind? Order these beautiful hedge plants. Are you unsure or do you have any questions? Please contact Haagplanten Heijnen.