Ilex crenata Compacta, commonly known as Spreading Japanese Holly, is a dense, mounding evergreen shrub valued for its small, boxwood-like leaves and versatile landscape use. Typically reaching 3 to 4 feet in height with a wider spread, it features fine-textured, dark green foliage that stays attractive year-round. Unlike traditional hollies, it has no spines and develops small black berries in late fall if pollinated. This cultivar is excellent for hedges, low borders, foundation plantings, and formal garden designs, especially where boxwood alternatives are needed.

Why choose Ilex crenata Compacta

Evergreen structure: Dense, tidy form provides year-round greenery

Boxwood look-alike: Similar appearance with better deer resistance

Versatile design use: Ideal for edging, hedging, and formal planting

Cultivating tips

Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade

Soil needs: Prefers acidic, moist, well-drained soil

Maintenance: Minimal—can be pruned for shape or left to grow naturally

Designs for your garden

Foundation planting: Softens building edges with evergreen texture

Low hedge or border: Maintains shape well with or without pruning

Formal gardens: A great fit for structured plantings and clipped forms

Ecological benefits

Wildlife habitat: Provides cover for small birds and insects

Pollinator support: Small white flowers attract pollinators in spring

Deer-resistant: Foliage is generally not favored by deer

Similar native alternatives

Looking for a native option? Here are three native plants that offer similar seasonal interest and landscape value:

Picea pungens Globosa – Spruce

Juniperus virginiana Grey Owl – Grey Owl Juniper

Carex muskingumensis – Palm Sedge