If you’re trying to decide between Japanese holly or enkianthus, there are a few different green shrubs to choose from. Deutzia species are evergreen and can tolerate poor soil. The Japanese holly is a good choice for shade gardens because it produces a dense canopy of evergreen leaves. Deutzia species are also drought tolerant, but are best pruned after the flowers fade.
Japanese holly
Despite being native to Asia, Japanese holly is a versatile and adaptable plant for shade gardens. The holly has distinctive foliage that varies in shape, size, and color. The shrub is a perennial with a moderate growth rate, and it grows in USDA hardiness zones five to eight. Its leaves are small and alternate, with a smooth or spiny margin. Its flowers are small and white and are produced in the summer.
Holly is a great choice for planting around a home’s base because of its attractive foliage. It has creamy white margins and gray-green centers. The leaves can get scorched if left in the sun for too long, and they are painful to touch. However, they make great additions to the landscape and are ideal for planting in partial shade. They can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. And if you prefer to grow a holly shrub around the base of your house, they can grow in nearly any soil type.
A compact Japanese holly will spread to six to ten feet. A six to ten-foot-wide hedge, Japanese hollies can take a number of years to establish themselves. For best results, plant them at least five feet apart and trim once a year. This shade-loving shrub is deer-resistant and easy to care for. Its only downside is that the holly berries are not edible to humans, but they are tasty for birds.
A popular shade shrub, Japanese holly is native to eastern China, Korea, and Taiwan. Its evergreen foliage is attractive and can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy and drought-tolerant, and is easy to grow. These shrubs are great for landscapes and can complement existing trees. When planted in the shade, they can add a dramatic touch to your garden. However, Japanese holly is also a perfect choice for shade gardens because it is tolerant of dappled light.
Steeds holly has spindly leaves, and can be a great choice for a sunny location with light to medium shade. They produce red berries in late winter, and are incredibly popular during the holidays. A female holly, Ilex crenata Hetzii, is a great choice for pollination. While pollen can travel quite a distance, experts recommend planting the male near the female holly.
When choosing Japanese hollies, consider their growth rates and climate needs. Some of them grow up to eight feet in a vase form, while others grow up to five feet tall in a compact form. They are generally drought-resistant and hardy in Zones six to eight. They are also able to tolerate low temperatures, which makes them ideal for shady areas. They are easy to transplant and can be pruned to shape and maintain a pleasing appearance. However, they do not do well below Zone six.
Another shade-tolerant shrub is the American Holly. This shrub grows to over 60 feet. Its foliage is prickly, and it makes a good barrier, but its flowers are inedible. Other shade-loving plants include Azalea, Forsythia, and Japanese Andromeda. In addition, the Japanese holly family has over 1000 species. If you want to plant some Japanese holly green shrubs in your shade garden, it’s best to plant dwarf varieties of these plants to make the most of the space.
Growing Japanese holly in a sunny area is ideal, but it also thrives in partial shade and can tolerate urban pollution. Both species thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones five to eight. They need a sheltered location to thrive. Make sure you mulch the roots well with a thick layer of soil during the winter. It’s best to consult a certified arborist or nursery to control any pests or disease.
If you want to plant Japanese holly in the shade, you can consider hybrid varieties that are winter-hardy in zones six to nine. Robin, the tallest of the red varieties, is comparable to ‘Nellie Stevens’. It grows between six and eight feet tall and has a wide spread of 12 feet. Oakleaf, meanwhile, is a perfect-flowered version of ‘Conaf’ with flat, lobed leaves. Oakland (‘Magland’) is a further improved version of the original.
Japanese enkianthus
‘Lipstick’ redvein enkianthus is a shade-loving shrub with a brilliant red fall color. It grows up to 6 feet tall and has white bell-shaped flowers. Its narrow habit makes it ideal for small spaces and will tolerate partial shade. You can buy several varieties at your local nursery. They all have a similar appearance. The white variety is the most widely available.
The color range of these trees is striking. They are native to Japan, where they grow in open woodlands. The Japanese enkianthus is no exception. The foliage is green and intricate with veins that are often yellow to red. While they do well in shade, they are not a good choice for full shade. If you’re planting Japanese enkianthus for shade, be sure to check the local requirements first.
