Overview
Ilex crenata 'Howard's Compact' (m) is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ilex, part of the Aquifoliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Ilex crenata 'Howard's Compact' (m) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and garden edging.
About
Ilex crenata 'Howard's Compact' is an evergreen shrub cultivar of the Ilex genus, known for its bushy habit. Like other Ilex species, it produces small white flowers in spring and summer, with male and female blooms typically on separate plants. This cultivar thrives in fertile, well-drained loam or sandy soils with a range of pH levels, preferring full sun to partial shade and can be grown in both exposed and sheltered locations. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is suitable for various garden settings including city, coastal, cottage, and wildlife gardens.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ilex
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Ilex crenata 'Howard's Compact' (m) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Garden edging
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ilex crenata 'Howard's Compact' (m)
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn, Hardwood cuttings in January with bottom heat
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, Holly leaf miner, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Holly leaf blight, Phytophthora root rot, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ilex crenata 'Howard's Compact' (m)?
Ilex crenata 'Howard's Compact' (m) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ilex crenata 'Howard's Compact' (m) need?
Ilex crenata 'Howard's Compact' (m) grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Ilex crenata 'Howard's Compact' (m) hardy in the UK?
Ilex crenata 'Howard's Compact' (m) has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Ilex crenata 'Howard's Compact' (m)?
Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn, Hardwood cuttings in January with bottom heat.
More in the Ilex genus
- Ilex aquifolium 'Lucifer' (f)
- Ilex canariensis
- Ilex ciliospinosa
- Ilex crenata 'Bennett's Compact' (m)
- Ilex crenata 'Chato'
- Ilex crenata 'David Ellis'
- Ilex integra
- Ilex macrocarpa
