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ILEX crenata 'Nigra'

Image of Ilex crenata 'Nigra'

Family

Aquifoliaceae

Botanical Name

ILEX crenata 'Nigra'

Plant Common Name

Japanese Holly, Nigra Holly

General Description

Japanese holly is a dense, slow-growing, broadleaf evergreen shrub native to northeast Asia. A medium-sized male cultivar deriving from the same cross as 'Compacta,' 'Nigra' is valued for its upright oval habit, dark foliage, and cold-hardiness. The small shiny dark green leaves resemble those of boxwood. The tiny white spring flowers are not ornamentally significant.

Japanese holly grows best in well-drained, moist, slightly acid soil in full sun to light shade, and benefits from an organic mulch such as pine needles or shredded bark. In hot, dry, or windy sites it is prone to leaf scorch and mite infestations. It takes well to pruning. The dense upright habit of this cultivar suits it for hedges, screening, foundations plantings, and mixed borders.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Broadleaf Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m

  • Width

    6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring

  • Native To

    Eastern Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Tolerances

    Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    White, Light Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No