Ilex crenata 'Northern Beauty'

Northern Beauty Holly

Ilex crenata ‘Northern Beauty’ is a dense evergreen shrub valued for its small glossy dark green leaves, strong cold tolerance, and naturally upright rounded habit. This Japanese holly forms a fine-textured shrub with dense branching, offering a softer appearance than spiny hollies while maintaining year-round structure. Small black berries may appear on female plants when pollinated.

Type: Evergreen shrub
Mature Size: Width: 4–6 ft · Height: 5–8 ft
USDA Zones: 5a–8b

Form: Dense, upright-rounded

Light: Full sun to part shade

Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil

Water: Medium; prefers even moisture during establishment

Wildlife: Small berries may attract birds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for hedges, foundation plantings, screening, and formal gardens where fine evergreen texture and winter durability are desired. It tolerates shearing well for structured plantings.

Care:
Plant in well-drained acidic soil and avoid poorly drained sites. Prune in late spring or early summer if shaping is needed. Protect from severe winter wind in exposed locations for best foliage quality.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

5-8'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Specimen

Shape

Dense, Pyramidal, Rounded, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No