Ilex crenata Stokes - Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata ‘Stokes’ is a variety of box-leaved holly with a naturally compact and spread-out habit. It only measures 50cm (20in) in height and 70cm (28in) in width at maturity. This non-prickly evergreen bush carries small rounded leaves of a beautiful glossy green, resembling box leaves. Hardy, resistant, with slow growth, it requires non-limestone, rather moist soil, in the sun or half-shade to flourish. Perfect in a border, in a pot on a terrace, and to try your hand at topiary art!

The box-leaved holly is native to Japan, belonging to the Aquifoliaceae family. 'Stokes’ has a moderately fast growth rate. With a low, compact and spread-out habit, it typically reaches 50cm (20in) in height and 70cm (28in) in width at maturity. Its small tough and flat leaves are a glossy medium green, crenelated but not prickly. All hollies are dioecious plants, meaning there are male-flowering and female-flowering individuals. Only the latter bear fruit.

With faster growth than box, Ilex crenata ‘Stokes’ will satisfy gardeners fond of neat hedges and plant sculptures. It is perfect in a low, single-species hedge. It mainly fears limestone which turns its beautiful foliage yellow and prefers well-draining, fertile soils. Hardy down to -20°C (-4°F), it will thrive in all exposures, with a preference however for partially shaded to shaded locations. The ‘Stokes’ cultivar, with its beautiful spread-out ball shape, lends itself well to planting in a pot in front of a house entrance or on a terrace. It will also be very interesting in a border or in low topiaries.

Hollies are both beloved and little-known plants. The genus comprises nearly 800 deciduous or evergreen species, usually native to the temperate northern hemisphere. These very ancient plants have experienced the alternating glacial and dry, hot periods of our climate history, making them extremely adaptable and resilient plants. Their white to cream wood is very low in water, even when green. It is dense and heavy, but soft and easy to work in cabinet-making. It is also an excellent fuel for heating, even when green. Finally, its foliage and berries (not edible) are rich in caffeine. A tea is made with its leaves in the Black Forest.