RedCrocus Steeds Japanese Holly Live Plant (Ilex crenata 'Steeds') - Evergreen Upright Shrub for Hedges and Foundation Planting, Full Sun to Part Shade, Hardy Zones 5-8 10 Gallon Nursery Pot

Name: RedCrocus Steeds Japanese Holly Live Plant (Ilex crenata 'Steeds') - Evergreen Upright Shrub for Hedges and Foundation Planting, Full Sun to Part Shade, Hardy Zones 5-8 10 Gallon Nursery Pot
Brand: RedCrocus
SKU: ber0f5a-redcrocus
Price: 740.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$740.00 USD

~~$962.00 USD~~ $740.00 USD

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SKU:ber0f5a-redcrocus

Pot Size 10 Gallon Nursery Pot

Quantity

Ilex Crenata 'steeds'

Steeds Japanese holly — a refined, upright, evergreen for hedges, structure, and year‑round texture

Description

Ilex crenata ‘Steeds’ is an elegant, upright Japanese holly prized for its naturally pyramidal form, dense branching, and small, glossy, dark-green leaves that hold color beautifully through winter. It’s an excellent alternative to boxwood where boxwood blight or leafminer are concerns, offering similar fine texture with superior year-round reliability. Discreet spring flowers may attract pollinators; fruiting is uncommon on this cultivar. Ideal for low-maintenance hedges, clipped forms, or as a structural accent in contemporary and classic landscapes alike.

Suggested Uses

Versatile in design, ‘Steeds’ excels as:

Formal hedging Foundation planting Entryway accents Topiary & shapes Mixed borders Evergreen structure Container specimen Low screen

Plant Details

Botanical NameIlex Crenata 'steeds'
Common NameIlex Crenata 'steeds' (often sold as ‘Steeds’ Japanese holly)
Size & GrowthTypically 6–8 ft tall x 3–4 ft wide; upright pyramidal habit; can reach 8–10 ft over time with favorable conditions.
Hardiness ZonesUSDA Zones 5–8 (protect from harsh winter winds in exposed sites).
Foliage TypeEvergreen; fine-textured, small, glossy, dark green leaves that retain color through winter with minimal bronzing.
Bloom TimeLate spring (inconspicuous white flowers); fruiting is rare on this cultivar and requires a compatible mate.
Growth RateModerate; about 6–10 inches per year under good conditions.
Light RequirementsFull sun to part shade; best density with 4–6+ hours of sun. Tolerates bright dappled shade with slightly looser habit.
Attracts PollinatorsYes—spring blossoms can attract bees and small beneficial insects, though flowers are subtle.
Indoor FriendlyNo; best grown outdoors. Short-term indoor display possible if kept cool and bright, then returned outside promptly.
Container FriendlyYes—performs well in large, well-drained containers; protect roots in winter in colder zones (insulate or heel in).
Deer ResistantGenerally deer resistant; browsing is uncommon but may occur when food is scarce. Not deer-proof.
Pet WarningMildly toxic if ingested (leaves/berries). Plant where pets and children will not chew; ‘Steeds’ seldom fruits but use caution.
FragrantNot notably fragrant; flowers are small and discreet with minimal scent outdoors.
Cut FlowerPrimarily valued for evergreen foliage—use stems in winter arrangements and wreaths for structure and texture.
Grows Well WithGrows Well With Boxwood alternatives, azalea, rhododendron, pieris, hydrangea (H. serrata/macrophylla), heuchera, hosta, fern, hellebore, Japanese forest grass.

Care Tips

Planting InstructionsPlant in spring or early fall. Dig a hole 2–3× the width of the root ball and just as deep. Set with the root flare level to slightly above grade; tease circling roots; backfill with native soil; water to settle; mulch 2–3 inches, keeping mulch off the trunk.
Soil MoistureEvenly moist but well drained. Keep consistently moist the first growing season; once established, tolerates brief dry periods but avoid soggy soils.
Soil TypePrefers acidic, loamy, well-drained soils (target pH ~5.0–6.5). Alkaline soils can cause chlorosis; amend with organic matter if heavy or compacted.
HumidityAverage outdoor humidity is fine. Provide good air circulation; in winter, protect from desiccating winds in exposed locations.
Pruning InstructionsMinimal pruning needed to maintain shape. Lightly shear or tip-prune in late winter to early spring; a light summer touch-up is fine. Avoid hard pruning late in the season to prevent tender growth before frost.
Winter CareMulch root zone each fall; water deeply before ground freeze in dry autumns. In windy sites, consider a burlap windbreak. Container plants: insulate pots or overwinter in a sheltered, unheated area to protect roots.
Planting DepthSet the crown/root flare at or slightly above surrounding soil. Do not bury the trunk or mound soil against the stem; maintain original container depth.
FertilizationFeed in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for acid-loving evergreens. Follow soil-test guidance; avoid over-fertilizing late in the season.
Special CareIf leaves yellow in alkaline soils, apply chelated iron and lower pH gradually. Monitor for scale and spider mites during hot, dry spells; hose off foliage periodically and encourage beneficial insects. Ensure excellent drainage—avoid sites with standing water.