Description
Ilex crenata ‘Golden Gem’ is a small, slow-growing evergreen shrub with bright golden-yellow foliage that provides year-round interest. Its compact size makes it ideal for use as a low hedge, in mixed borders or in containers. This plant is highly tolerant of pruning and can be kept to a smaller size if required. It prefers a well-drained soil and will thrive in full sun to partial shade. The plant is fully hardy and can withstand harsh winter conditions.
Key Facts
- Common Name(s):Japanese holly ‘Golden Gem’
- Hardiness:Fully hardy
- How big will I get? Ilex crenata ‘Golden Gem’ can grow to a height of 1.1m and a spread of 2m.
- Did You Know That:Ilex crenata is a popular alternative to boxwood due to its small, boxwood-like leaves and ability to be sheared into hedges and topiaries?
Plant Calendar
A rough guide to how this plant will change through the year.
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Care Guide
Soil Requirements
Ilex crenata ‘Golden Gem’ is a versatile plant and can cope with wet or drier soils, but prefers there to be decent drainage. This plant can grow in soil with a wide range of pH levels, it is not picky about the pH level of the soil.
Best Position
Ilex crenata ‘Golden Gem’ prefers a sheltered position and requires full sun to thrive, this consists of more than six hours of direct sunshine per day.
Maintenance
Ilex crenata ‘Golden Gem’ is fairly low maintenance and doesn’t require any pruning. However if it is grown for hedging it is best to trim lightly a in Spring.
Pest, Diseases and Wildlife
Ilex crenata ‘Golden Gem’ can have problems with scale insects, it can be vulnerable to certain diseases such as leaf blight and root rot. It is toxic to cats, dogs, horses and people.
