Images Depict Mature Plants
Hoogendorn Holly
Ilex crenata 'Hoogendorn'
Hoogendorn Holly features glossy, fine-textured leaves and a compact, mounded growth habit, making it perfect for ground covers, borders, and foundation plantings. Its low-maintenance care and deer-resistant qualities ensure year-round beauty and structure in any landscape setting.
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Hoogendorn Holly Shrubs
Hoogendorn Holly (Ilex crenata 'Hoogendorn') is a low-growing, spreading evergreen shrub known for its fine-textured, glossy green leaves and compact, mounded growth habit. Reaching a mature height of 2 to 3 feet and spreading 3 to 4 feet wide, Hoogendorn Holly is perfect for use as a ground cover, in foundation plantings, or as a low border in the garden. Its small, boxwood-like leaves remain vibrant throughout the year, providing a polished, formal look that adds elegance and structure to any landscape. Hoogendorn Holly is an excellent choice for creating year-round interest with its versatile growth habit and refined appearance.
Hoogendorn Holly thrives in USDA zones 5-8 and is adaptable to a range of growing conditions, from full sun to partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate various soil types, making it suitable for different garden settings. This holly variety requires minimal maintenance and only occasional pruning to maintain its naturally neat, spreading shape. In spring, Hoogendorn Holly produces small white flowers, followed by inconspicuous black berries, which add subtle seasonal interest and help attract birds to your garden.
In addition to its attractive appearance, Hoogendorn Holly is deer-resistant, making it a reliable choice for areas where deer activity is a concern. Whether used in mass plantings, as a low hedge, or as an edging plant along walkways, its dense foliage and tidy form bring texture and greenery to your outdoor space all year. The combination of low-maintenance care, deer resistance, and year-round beauty makes Hoogendorn Holly an ideal choice for homeowners and landscapers looking to create a classic, evergreen foundation in the garden.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 2 to 3 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 3 to 4 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to part shade |
| Foliage Color: | Dark green |
| Growth Form: | Rounded |
| Soil Conditions: | Very tolerant of most soil conditions |
How to Care for Hoogendorn Holly
Before you buy a Hoogendorn Holly, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How Do I Plant a Hoogendorn Holly?
To plant a Hoogendorn Holly, start by choosing a location with well-drained soil and exposure to full sun or partial shade for optimal growth. Begin by digging a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball to allow the roots ample room to spread and establish. Place the shrub in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil to promote proper drainage. Backfill with a mixture of native soil and compost to enhance soil quality, and water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Mulching around the base of the shrub will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, but be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. If you are planting multiple Hoogendorn Holly shrubs for a ground cover or low hedge, space them about 3 to 4 feet apart, measuring from the center of each plant. This spacing will allow the shrubs to grow together and form a dense, lush coverage over time. During the first growing season, water consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as this will help the shrub establish a healthy root system. Once established, Hoogendorn Holly is relatively low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for creating a resilient and attractive landscape. With the right planting and care, Hoogendorn Holly will provide beautiful, evergreen foliage that enhances your garden year-round.
How Do I water a Hoogendorn Holly?
To properly water a Hoogendorn Holly, focus on deep, consistent watering, especially during the first year after planting to help establish a strong root system. Water the shrub deeply once a week, ensuring that the moisture reaches a depth of 6 to 8 inches to promote deep root growth. During hot or dry periods, you may need to increase the watering frequency to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, as excessive moisture on the leaves can lead to fungal issues. Adding a layer of mulch around the base will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, reducing the need for frequent watering. Once Hoogendorn Holly is well-established, it becomes more tolerant of dry conditions and will require less frequent watering. However, during extended dry spells or particularly hot weather, supplemental deep watering is beneficial to maintain the shrub's lush, glossy foliage and overall health. Regularly check the soil by digging a few inches down—if the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. Be careful not to overwater, as Hoogendorn Holly prefers well-drained soil and can suffer from root rot if left in overly wet conditions. With proper watering practices, your Hoogendorn Holly will thrive, providing beautiful, dense, year-round greenery in your landscape.
How Do I Fertilize a Hoogendorn Holly?
To fertilize a Hoogendorn Holly, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, just before new growth begins. A fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is ideal for providing the essential nutrients that promote healthy root development, lush foliage, and vigorous growth. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the shrub, taking care to keep it away from the trunk to avoid root burn. After applying the fertilizer, water the area thoroughly to help the nutrients penetrate into the soil and reach the root system. This spring feeding will support a strong start to the growing season and maintain the health and beauty of your Hoogendorn Holly. In addition to fertilizing in the spring, Hoogendorn Holly can benefit from an optional second light feeding in mid-summer, especially if it is planted in poor or depleted soil. Organic compost or well-rotted manure can also be applied around the base of the shrub to enrich the soil and provide slow-release nutrients. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive growth that may weaken the plant. Consistent but moderate fertilization will help ensure that your Hoogendorn Holly remains compact, dense, and vibrant, providing year-round beauty and adding structure to your garden.
How Do I Prune a Hoogendorn Holly?
To prune a Hoogendorn Holly, start by performing light pruning in early spring before new growth begins. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to improve airflow and promote healthy growth. This timing allows the shrub to recover quickly and helps maintain its naturally mounded, compact shape. While Hoogendorn Holly has a dense, low-growing form that usually requires minimal shaping, light pruning can be used to control its size or encourage a more uniform appearance. Focus on trimming back any wayward branches to preserve its neat and attractive form, especially if it’s used as a ground cover or low hedge. For ongoing maintenance, Hoogendorn Holly can benefit from additional light trimming during the growing season if it becomes too dense or starts to lose its desired shape. Be careful not to over-prune, as removing too much foliage can stress the plant and lead to slower growth. Instead, focus on thinning out any crowded areas to ensure adequate light reaches all parts of the shrub. Regular, minimal pruning will keep your Hoogendorn Holly looking its best while enhancing its dense, fine-textured foliage, which adds year-round interest and beauty to your garden. With proper pruning, this evergreen shrub will maintain its healthy, lush growth and attractive, polished appearance.
