Plant Guide: Japanese Holly as a Boxwood Alternative

Japanese holly can mimic the tidy look of boxwood with a different disease profile and texture. Compact cultivars work for low hedges and foundation accents.

They generally prefer well-drained soil and struggle in heavy wet clay. Site them with appropriate sun for the cultivar, and prune to maintain density.

When boxwood decline is common in your area, Japanese holly is one of the alternatives a designer may recommend for similar structure.