1 8

RedCrocus Touch of Gold Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata) Live Evergreen Shrub – Golden Foliage, Compact Mounding, Full Sun to Part Shade, USDA Zones 5–8 1 Quart Pot

RedCrocus Touch of Gold Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata) Live Evergreen Shrub – Golden Foliage, Compact Mounding, Full Sun to Part Shade, USDA Zones 5–8 1 Quart Pot

$150.00 USD
$195.00 USD $150.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

ber9371-redcrocus

Pot Size

Ilex Crenata 'touch of Gold'

Evergreen • Compact • Golden Foliage

A luminous, compact Japanese holly with bright golden new growth that matures to soft chartreuse, offering year‑round color and refined texture as a low hedge, edging, or container specimen.

Description

Ilex crenata 'touch of Gold' is a compact, mounding Japanese holly prized for its vibrant golden flush of new foliage that mellows to chartreuse through the season. With fine, boxwood‑like leaves and a naturally tidy habit, it serves as a resilient alternative to boxwood for borders, foundation plantings, and formal accents. Small, inconspicuous spring flowers are followed (on female plants) by tiny black drupes, though fruiting is generally insignificant. This cultivar maintains color best with ample sun and reliably holds its evergreen presence in the landscape.

Low hedge or edging Formal borders & knot gardens Foundations & front-of-border Rock and Asian-inspired gardens Year-round container accents Mass planting for color blocks

Suggested Uses

  • Define pathways and beds with a crisp, low evergreen line.
  • Anchor mixed borders with steady color and fine texture.
  • Brighten foundation plantings where seasonal color is limited.
  • Use as a boxwood alternative where disease pressure is high.
  • Feature in containers on patios, entries, and terraces.
  • Mass in drifts for golden contrast against darker evergreens.

Plant Details

  • Botanical Name iconBotanical NameIlex Crenata 'touch of Gold'Cultivar of Japanese holly selected for golden foliage.
  • Common Name iconCommon NameIlex Crenata 'touch of Gold'Often sold as Touch of Gold Japanese holly.
  • Size & Growth iconSize & Growth2–3 ft tall × 3–4 ft wide; compact, mounding habitTypically 3–6 in of new growth per year under average conditions.
  • Hardiness Zones iconHardiness ZonesUSDA 5–8Provide winter wind protection in colder end of range.
  • Foliage Type iconFoliage TypeBroadleaf evergreenGolden new growth matures to chartreuse; small, boxwood‑like leaves.
  • Bloom Time iconBloom TimeLate spring (insignificant)Tiny white flowers; fruiting is minimal and not ornamental.
  • Growth Rate iconGrowth RateSlow to moderateBest color and density with steady moisture and sun.
  • Light Requirements iconLight RequirementsFull sun to part shade4–6+ hours sun for strongest gold; give afternoon shade in hot summers.
  • Attracts Pollinators iconAttracts PollinatorsLowSmall spring blooms may draw tiny bees; not a primary pollinator plant.
  • Indoor Friendly iconIndoor FriendlyNoBest grown outdoors; indoor conditions are unsuitable long‑term.
  • Container Friendly iconContainer FriendlyYesThrives in large containers with excellent drainage; protect roots in winter.
  • Deer Resistant iconDeer ResistantGenerally resistantDeer tend to browse alternatives first; protection may be needed when young.
  • Pet Warning iconPet WarningCautionFoliage/berries can cause mild GI upset if ingested; supervise pets.
  • Fragrant iconFragrantNoGrown for foliage color and form rather than scent.
  • Cut Flower iconCut FlowerNot typicalShort stems may be used as evergreen filler in small arrangements.
  • Grows Well With iconGrows Well WithGrows Well With Azalea, Rhododendron, Pieris, Heuchera, Dwarf conifers, Camellia (mild zones) Prefers acidic companions and similar water/light needs.

Care Tips

  • Planting Instructions iconPlanting InstructionsPlant in early spring or fall in well‑drained soil enriched with compost.Loosen roots, set spacing 18–24 in apart for low hedges, water deeply, and mulch 2–3 in (keep mulch off stems).
  • Soil Moisture iconSoil MoistureEvenly moist, never waterloggedProvide ~1 in water/week during establishment; becomes moderately drought tolerant thereafter.
  • Soil Type iconSoil TypeAcidic, well‑drained loam or sandy loam (pH 5.0–6.5)Avoid heavy clay or alkaline soils; use raised beds or amend for drainage if needed.
  • Humidity iconHumidityAverage outdoor humidity is idealEnsure good air circulation to minimize foliar issues in humid climates.
  • Pruning Instructions iconPruning InstructionsLightly shear in late winter or just after spring flush.Remove dead/crossing wood anytime. Avoid heavy pruning late summer to reduce winter burn on tender growth.
  • Winter Care iconWinter CareMulch roots and shield from drying winds in cold zones.Water well before ground freezes; container plants should be grouped and sheltered or insulated.
  • Planting Depth iconPlanting DepthSet crown level; root ball 0.5–1 in above gradeDo not bury the stem; mound slightly in heavy soils to encourage drainage.
  • Fertilization iconFertilizationFeed in early spring with a slow‑release, acid‑forming fertilizerFormulations for hollies/rhododendrons work well; avoid high nitrogen late in the season.
  • Special Care iconSpecial CareMonitor pH and chlorosis; ensure sharp drainage.Yellowing leaves often indicate high pH—apply elemental sulfur or chelated iron. Watch for spider mites/scale; avoid soggy soils to prevent root rot.
Note: Attribute values reflect typical performance of Ilex crenata cultivars; local conditions may affect ultimate size and vigor.
View full details