Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Ilex crenata 'Compacta'
Compact Japanese Holly
- Family
- Aquifoliaceae
- Height
- 3 to 6 feet
- Width
- 4 to 6 feet
- Flower color
- White
- Foliage color
- Glossy dark green
- Bloom time
- Spring
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate, prefers well-drained soil
- Maintenance
- Low
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 6 to 8
- Wildlife
- Birds and pollinators
About this plant
Ilex crenata 'Compacta' is a dense, evergreen shrub known for its small, glossy, dark green leaves that form a neat, rounded shape. This cultivar produces small, inconspicuous white flowers in late spring, which may give way to black or dark purple berries in the fall if pollinated. Its compact size and attractive foliage make it a popular choice for hedges, borders, and foundation plantings.
Native to Japan, Korea, and China, Ilex crenata 'Compacta' is a cultivar of the Japanese holly. It is valued for its ability to thrive in a variety of landscapes, offering year-round interest with minimal maintenance. The plant's resilience and versatility make it suitable for both formal and informal garden settings.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Borders · Formal Gardens · Pathways & Walkways
Companion plants
Oleaster · Mexican orange blossom · Sneezeweed · Black-eyed Susan · Sea thrift · Common sage
Design tip
Use ‘Compacta’ to introduce year-round structure and definition. Its dense growth, small glossy leaves, and naturally rounded form work especially well where a neat, orderly evergreen presence is desired, whether planted individually or repeated throughout a design.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
