Ilex crenata Twiggy

Origin
The Ilex crenata Twiggy, also known as the Japanese holly 'Twiggy', originated in East Asia where it primarily grows in the forests of Japan, Korea and China. The plants in this region have evolved to adapt to a diversity of climates, from subtropical lowlands to cool mountainous areas.

Characteristics
The Ilex crenata Twiggy is a type of holly that stands out due to its compact and branched growth. The plant is characterised by small, dark and glossy leaves that resemble those of boxwood, but without the known thorns of traditional holly. It produces small white flowers in the spring, followed by black berries in the autumn. Due to its slow growth, it eventually reaches a height of about 60-80 cm.

Care
The care of the Ilex crenata Twiggy is relatively straightforward as it has few specific requirements for its environment. This plant prefers a location in full sun or partial shade and a well-drained soil. Since it handles pruning well, the Ilex crenata Twiggy is very suitable for formal pruning. Moreover, this plant is reasonably frost-hardy and survives Dutch winters without problem. The best time to prune the holly is in early spring, before the new leaves bud.