Japanese Holly. Fast growing plant with smooth, green-grey coloured trunk and glossy, dark green leaves. The new sprouts, light green almost golden yellow in March/April, turn intense dark green in May/June. Blooms in June with little white flowers in clusters. Prune from June and after the new vegetation has reached 15-20cm. Prevent excess apical dominance by pruning the apical shoots more frequently as well as the most vigorous ones, in order to preserve the lower or weaker branches. Grows well in neutral or slightly acid pH soils, as long as well-drained. Water regularly using non calcareous water. If grown in a container provide some protection from cold winter wind. Use a slow release fertiliser from March until September. Preventive disinfections with an acaricide from April until September are advised as well as a white oil treatment in winter.
