Ilex crenata Kinme

The Ilex crenata 'Kinme' is a variety of crenate holly with a spreading and dense habit, well-suited for cloud pruning. It is a medium to large-sized shrub that responds well to regular pruning, resulting in a more compact and beautiful shape. It has small, glossy dark green evergreen leaves. Resistant to diseases and pests, it is an excellent alternative to boxwood. This Japanese holly variety is mainly used in topiary art.

Crenate holly is a shrub native to Japan, belonging to the Aquifoliaceae family. It is an understory shrub with the same requirements as common holly. It is a vigorous shrub that can tolerate temperatures as low as -15ºC, but does not thrive in hot and dry climates. Varieties with light or golden foliage prefer brighter exposure, while darker foliage thrives in filtered light. All hollies are dioecious plants, meaning there are male and female flowers on separate plants. Only the female plants produce fruits. 'Kinme' Japanese holly blooms from September to October with small, discreet white flowers. With its spreading and dense habit, it will be wider than tall, reaching a maximum height of 1.6m and a spread of 2.5m.

Of medium growth, malleable to suit individual preferences, 'Kinme' crenate holly will satisfy gardeners who appreciate well-maintained hedges and plant sculptures. It is particularly sensitive to limestone, which causes its beautiful foliage to turn yellow, and prefers well-draining, fertile soils. Hardy down to -15°C, it can thrive in all exposures, with a preference for partly shaded to shaded areas. The 'Kinme' cultivar, with its compact and spreading form, is well-suited for container planting, bonsai or cloud pruning, in front of an entrance or to frame a terrace. Japanese holly is a typical shrub in traditional Japanese gardens, planted alongside Japanese azaleas, Japanese maples, and camellias.

Hollies are both beloved and misunderstood plants. The genus comprises nearly 800 deciduous or evergreen species, generally native to the temperate northern hemisphere. These ancient plants have experienced the alternating periods of glacial and dry, hot periods in our climatic history, making them extremely adaptable and resilient. Their wood, white to cream in color, is very low in water content, even when green. It is dense and heavy, yet soft and easy to work with in woodworking. It is also an excellent fuel for heating, even when green. Lastly, their foliage and berries (inedible) are rich in caffeine. A tea is prepared with their leaves in the Black Forest.