Overview
Ilex crenata 'Maxima' is a bushy, upright, dense shrub in the genus Ilex, part of the Aquifoliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 5.0 m tall. Ilex crenata 'Maxima' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include hedges, borders and topiary. It is native to East Asia.
About
Ilex crenata, also known as Japanese holly or box-leaved holly, is a species of flowering plant in the family Aquifoliaceae, native to East and Southeast Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ilex crenata
About the genus
Ilex or holly is a genus of over 570 species of flowering plants in the family Aquifoliaceae, and the only living genus in that family. Ilex has the most species of any woody dioecious angiosperm genus. The species are evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers from tropics to temperate zones worldwide.
Wikipedia contributors, "Holly", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Holly
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ilex
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun, Partial shade
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Ilex crenata 'Maxima' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy, Upright, Dense
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 5.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Hedges, Borders, Topiary
- Native to
- East Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ilex crenata 'Maxima'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates pruning well; suitable for formal gardens
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ilex crenata 'Maxima'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates pruning well; suitable for formal gardens.
Where is the best place to plant Ilex crenata 'Maxima'?
Ilex crenata 'Maxima' prefers full sun. It suits full sun and partial shade positions.
What soil does Ilex crenata 'Maxima' need?
Ilex crenata 'Maxima' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Ilex crenata 'Maxima'?
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
How big does Ilex crenata 'Maxima' grow?
Ilex crenata 'Maxima' reaches a height of 5.0 m.
Is Ilex crenata 'Maxima' hardy in the UK?
Ilex crenata 'Maxima' 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 'Maxima'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Ilex genus
- Ilex 'Clusterberry' (f)
- Ilex 'Lydia Morris' (f)Holly
- Ilex serrata
- Ilex verticillata 'Winter Gold' (f)Winterberry
