Ilex crenata Lingold Adorne - Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata Lingold 'Adorne' is a variety of Japanese holly with variegated golden yellow foliage that forms a truly luminous ball throughout the year, particularly in slightly shaded areas it appreciates. This small non-prickly evergreen bush adapts to many growing conditions in the ground as well as in pots. It is very hardy and has faster growth than boxwood, which it advantageously replaces in non-limestone soils. Often used in Japanese gardens, it works wonders in pots, in low hedges, and allows you to try your hand at topiary!

Ilex crenata is a bush native to Japan, belonging to the Aquifoliaceae family. 'Adorne' is a recent horticultural variety with reduced development and foliage that maintains its yellow variegation all year round. It is a moderately fast-growing bush, with a spherical habit, which reaches about 1m (3ft) in all directions at maturity. It has small tough, crenate, but non-prickly and varnished leaves. They are bordered with bright yellow on a dark green background. All hollies are dioecious plants, that is to say, there are male and female subjects. Only the latter bear fruit. 'Adorne' produces small insignificant, but melliferous, matte white flowers in spring. Recognising the sex of the flowers in this holly requires a trained eye; they all have four white petals and their surface is waxy, but the male flowers are identified by their 4 protruding yellow anthers, while the female flowers have a short, ovate, green pistil. The same bush can produce both male flowers and atrophied female flowers, which cannot be pollinated. 

Growing faster than boxwood, Ilex crenata Lingold 'Adorne' will satisfy gardeners who love neat hedges and plant sculptures. It is perfect in a small hedge, monospecific or mixed, in the company of dwarf photinias, compact pieris, and Mexican oranges. It mainly fears excess limestone and prefers well-drained, fairly fertile soils. Hardy beyond -15°C (5°F), it particularly likes semi-shaded places, for example on the edge of undergrowth or near an east-facing entrance. Planted alone or formed into topiary, it draws attention in winter. It is also possible to plant it in a pot. Plant in zen gardens with bamboo, Japanese maples, and camellias.

Hollies are both beloved and little-known plants. The genus comprises nearly 800 deciduous or evergreen species, usually native to the temperate northern hemisphere. These very ancient plants have experienced the alternating glacial and dry, hot periods of our climate history, making them extremely adaptable and resilient plants. Their white to cream wood is very low in water, even when green. It is dense and heavy, but soft and easy to work in cabinet-making. It is also an excellent fuel for heating, even when green. Finally, its foliage and berries (not edible) are rich in caffeine. A tea is made with its leaves in the Black Forest.