Ilex crenata Chato - Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata ‘Chat’o’®, also known as Ilex crenata 'Farrowsk6' CHAT'O®, is a new variety of crenate holly with a naturally compact and conical habit. It reaches 175 cm (68.9 in) in height and 50 cm (19.7 in) in width at maturity. This evergreen and non-prickly shrub bears small round glossy green leaves that retain their colour throughout the year. Being a male plant, it does not produce black and toxic berries. This cultivar with exceptional hardiness and disease resistance requires a limestone-poor, rather moist soil in full sun or partial shade to thrive. Perfect for borders, in a pot on a terrace, and for trying out topiary art where it can easily replace boxwood, which is more prone to diseases.

The crenate holly is a shrub native to Japan, belonging to the Aquifoliaceae family. The 'Chat'O' variety is a Dutch selection from 2017. It has a moderately fast growth rate and a compact and rounded habit, reaching an average of 150 cm (59.1 in) in height and 50 cm (19.7 in) in spread. It is also distinguished by its small, tough, flat, glossy leaves of a fairly dark green colour, with scalloped edges which are not prickly. All hollies are dioecious plants, meaning there are male and female flowers on separate plants. Only the female plants bear fruits. The male cultivar 'Chat'O' does not bear fruit.

With a faster growth rate than boxwood and malleable according to everyone's whims, Ilex crenata 'Chat'O' will satisfy gardeners who appreciate well-maintained hedges and plant sculptures. It mainly dislikes limestone, which causes its beautiful foliage to turn yellow, and prefers well-drained, fertile soils. Hardy down to -22° C (-7.6° F), it will thrive in all exposures, with a preference for semi-shaded to shaded areas. The 'Chat'O' cultivar, with its beautiful upright cone shape, is well-suited for planting in pots in front of a house entrance or on a terrace. It will also work in borders or as topiary.

Hollies are both beloved plants and underrated vegetation. The genus comprises nearly 800 deciduous or evergreen species, generally native to the temperate northern hemisphere. These ancient plants have experienced the alternation of glacial periods and dry and hot periods in our climate history, which makes them extremely adaptable and resistant plants. Their wood, white to cream in colour, is very low in water, even when green. It is dense and heavy, but soft and easy to work with in carpentry. It is also an excellent fuel for heating, even when green. Finally, its foliage and berries (inedible) are rich in caffeine. Tea is prepared with its leaves in the Black Forest.