Ilex crenata 'Golden Gem' (f/v)
Japanese holly 'Golden Gem'
A low-growing, compact evergreen shrub to about 1.1m tall, with a flattened top and small, golden-yellow leaves to 2cm long that turn yellow-green in summer. Small white spring flowers and black fruits in autumn are sparingly produced
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Gold Yellow | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Gold Yellow | |||
| Autumn | Yellow Green | Black | ||
| Winter | Yellow Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Aquifoliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Ilex can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees with often spiny leaves, small white flowers (male and female usually on separate plants) and, on female plants, showy berries in autumn
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in slightly acidic soil in a location which enjoys cooler, damp summers. Avoid waterlogged and very dry soils. Does not perform well as hedging in most parts of the UK. For alternatives to this and Box hedging, please go to Box alternatives and How to choose Box alternatives
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn or propagate by hardwood cuttings in January with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
Pruning
Pruning group 1; trim hedges in early spring
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects, holly leaf miner and young shoots may be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to holly leaf blight, Phytophthora root rot and sometimes honey fungus
Get involved
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