Ilex crenata 'Compacta' Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata 'Compacta' Japanese Holly: Description and Planting Benefits Description Ilex crenata 'Compacta', commonly known as Compact Japanese Holly or Compact Boxleaf Holly, is a cultivar of the Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata), a member of the Aquifoliaceae family. This evergreen shrub is prized for its dense, tidy, and versatile growth habit, making it a popular choice for various landscaping applications. Below is a detailed description of its characteristics: Appearance: Foliage: The shrub features small, glossy, dark green leaves, typically measuring ½ to 1¼ inches (1-3 cm) in length. The leaves have a slightly scalloped or crenate margin, giving them a soft, wavy edge. Unlike traditional hollies, the leaves are smooth and spineless, resembling those of boxwood (Buxus), which makes it an excellent boxwood substitute. Form: 'Compacta' has a low, mounded, globose growth habit with a spreading tendency. It typically grows to 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) in both height and width, though