Holly Japanese Convexa is one of a species of Holly which is native to parts of Eastern Asia such as China, Korea Taiwan and Japan. Also known as Japanese Holly Convexa or Box-leaved Holly Convexa and Ilex Crenata Convexa, Crenata meaning round-toothed or scalloped edge and Convexa meaning convex in shape.

It is an evergreen shrub or small tree with very small glossy dark green leaves and tight knit habit of growth, making it perfect for low growing hedges and edgings around flower beds and vegetable patches as well as for topiary shapes and in the art of bonsai.

Not dissimilar to Buxus or Box hedging, Holly Japanese Convexa is often used as a substitute in areas where Box blight is prevalent since it is not affected by the disease, in fact from a distance it would be difficult to differentiate between the two.

A relatively slow growing plant Holly Japanese Convexa is a hardy plant that will grow in most well-drained soils even shallow chalky soil, in full sun where it will grow best, or partial shade and is drought tolerant once established. It only requires only one trim per year although trimming twice will keep it very tight knit.

For hedging Ilex crenata Convexa is often used for parterres and knot gardens although it can reach a mature height of over 3 metres so can also be grown as a normal garden hedge, but a reasonable amount of patience would be needed. The new growth will emerge a paler shade of green taking a few weeks to darken to its true colour, however the contrasting appearance of the foliage is quite pleasing to the eye.

Pot grown Holly Japanese Convexa is available throughout the year for planting at any time to suit the gardeners calendar. The plants should establish quite quickly with good ground preparation and aftercare as there is little trauma to the roots.

Should you have any queries in respect of Ilex crenata Convexa or any other Holly Japanese variety then please phone a member of our team who will be happy to help.