- How hardy is Ilex crenata?
- Overwinter Ilex crenata outdoors
- Do not fertilize Ilex crenata too late
- How to overwinter Japanese holly in a bucket
In contrast to the native holly, the Japanese holly, Ilex crenata, is only conditionally hardy. This is especially true for young plants. This is how you get the decorative hedge plant well over the winter.
The Ilex crenata is only conditionally hardy
How hardy is Ilex crenata?
Ilex crenata can basically cope with low temperatures. However, this only applies to older plants that have been in the same place for a long time. They have a well-developed root system and the shoots are also mature, so the cold doesn't bother them that much.
Younger Ilex crenata must be protected from frost.
Overwinter Ilex crenata outdoors
- Choose a protected location
- Lay out a mulch layer
- do not fertilize too late
- lay fleece if necessary
When planting, make sure you have a place where it is not too drafty, as too much draft will affect the Ilex very much, especially in winter.
Put a layer of mulch under the plants. You can use lawn clippings, bark mulch, leaves and other garden debris for this. The mulch layer not only protects against frost, but also prevents the soil from drying out too much.
You can also protect young plants from frost with garden fleece or brushwood.
Do not fertilize Ilex crenata too late
Actually, you don't need to fertilize the Japanese holly. However, if you do not want to do without fertilizer completely, you should give additional nutrients up to the end of July at the latest.
If you fertilize later, the new shoots can no longer harden properly and freeze to death in freezing temperatures.
How to overwinter Japanese holly in a bucket
If you keep Ilex crenata in the tub, you should always provide winter protection. The soil freezes much faster in the pot than outdoors.
If you have to overwinter the plants outside, place the bucket on an insulating surface. As a place, choose a place where there is little draft and where there is sufficient light. The location should not be too humid either.
Bright basements, garages or attics are well suited for wintering.
tips
Although Ilex crenata does not like waterlogging, it does not tolerate complete dryness either. Especially in very dry winters, you should definitely water the Japanese holly on frost-free days so that it does not dry up.