Ilex crenata 'Convexa'
Japanese holly 'Convexa'
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: moist, well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil
- Rate of growth: slow to average
- Flowering period: May
- Hardiness: fully hardy
This relatively compact and easy to grow evergreen shrub can be left to grow naturally, but in Japan (from where it originates), it is often seen clipped to form topiary. Therefore, it makes a wonderful alternative to Buxus, and can be shaped to form balls, pyramids, clouds or hedging. 'Convexa' is a female Ilex, so provided there is a male holly nearby (to cross-pollinate the flowers), it will also go on to produce lots of glossy black fruit in autumn.
- Garden care: Plants grown as free-standing specimens require minimal pruning - remove diseased or misplaced branches in spring. Trim plants grown as formal hedges in late summer. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base of the plant.
