Overview
Japanese Winterberry Bonsai (Ilex serrata) is a deciduous holly prized for masses of red berries on bare winter branches. It is best suited to winter displays, feminine upright and clump styles. For UK growers, treat it as: Outdoor.
Placement
full sun to partial shade; good light supports flowers and berries
Watering
keep evenly moist during flowering and fruiting
Feeding and fertilising
feed in spring and early summer
Pruning and wiring
prune after berry display or after flowering; keep male and female plants for pollination if needed
Repotting
repot every 2-3 years in early spring
Propagation
cuttings and seed
Pests, diseases and common issues
poor berries without pollination, birds eating fruit, aphids and root dryness