Ilex crenata ‘Kinme’ (Japanese Holly)

This is an evergreen shrub or small tree. A slow growing native of Japan where it could eventually reach 8 metres in height. The flowers are small, white and insignificant, occasionally followed by black berries. Excellent for clipping, shaping and topiary.

Very hardy, not fussy about soil but does not like to be waterlogged. Happy in sun or some shade and once established tolerates pollution, coastal conditions and exposed sites.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.