Overview
Japanese Holly Bonsai (Ilex crenata) is a small-leaved evergreen holly with boxwood-like foliage and refined twigging. It is best suited to formal upright, broom, hedged pads and small bonsai. For UK growers, treat it as: Outdoor.
Placement
sun to partial shade; protect from severe drying wind
Watering
keep evenly moist with good drainage
Feeding and fertilising
feed through the growing season
Pruning and wiring
clip regularly to maintain dense pads; thin crowded foliage for airflow
Repotting
repot every 2-3 years in spring
Propagation
cuttings
Pests, diseases and common issues
vine weevil, scale, leaf scorch and root stress if allowed to dry out