Ilex Crenata

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Aquifoliaceae

Order

Aquifoliales

Genus

Ilex

Species

kernata

Description

Plant of the Aquifoliaceae family, native to the temperate zones of China and Japan. Shrubby, has small, dark green, persistent foliage with slightly pointed leaf apex. A dioecious plant, in female specimens it produces small white flowers that ripen to form small berries.

Origin and distribution

Native species of the range extending from eastern Nepal to eastern Asia.

Leaf

The leaves, persistent and with a slightly pointed apex, have toothed, oval lamina.

Leaf colour

Solid colour shade that gives high aesthetic value to the plant.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.2 to 1.8 m, depending on the size of the pot.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen shrub.

Where to plant

Species suitable for cultivation as bonsai in large pots, small pots.

Stem

The stem is woody with smooth bark; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, small in size, with a dialipetal corolla and shaded petals. It flowers from mid to late spring, with a flowering period of between 10 and 20 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Plant with indeterminate growth.

Plant habit

It develops a bushy habit with a high density of foliage.

Branching

It has medium branching.

PH

It requires a pH of the cultivation soil between 5.5 and 6.5.

Sun exposure

Requires exposure in half shade, full sun. During the summer period, with strong light intensity and high temperatures, place in half shade.

Ideal climate and temperature

It prefers warm and humid climates. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 30 °C. The vital temperature is between -5 and 50 °C. It is a species that tolerates cold temperatures and therefore can be kept outdoors, however in winter it is preferable, with temperatures below 5 degrees, to protect the roots with mulch and place the plant in full sun.

Use

Widely appreciated as a bonsai species in:
Outdoor ornamental Indoor ornamental

Hardiness

A species of medium-high rusticity.

Soil

Use a specific bonsai soil, rich in clay (Akadama). If you want to set a mix, use 60% clay (Akadama), 20% pumice to ensure sufficient porosity, and finally add 20% peat-based soil.

Difficulty

Overall, cultivation is fairly easy, with a low level of effort required for maintenance.

Growing tips

Here are some specific cultivation measures and aspects to achieve better vegetative growth of your Ilex crenata specimen:
Balanced fertilisation Expose the plant to maximum light Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Prefer shady locations in summer to avoid dry spells and high afternoon temperatures Keep the substrate dry in low temperatures Prefers warm and humid climate Requires abundant but no stagnant watering

Pruning

At transplanting, shorten branches that have elongated in the previous season in order to maintain or set the desired shape. During the growing season, regularly trim off the apices of new shoots to keep the vegetation in check.

Repotting

To be carried out in early spring possibly every year in the first years of cultivation (10/15 years), due to the luxuriant growth of the root capillitium.

With more mature specimens it can be carried out every 2/3 years.

Watering

In mild and warm seasons water daily and constantly, preferably by sprinkling the pot, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering. Watering should be increased in the summer, during fruit production, while it should be more spaced out during the winter, depending on the temperature. Avoid stagnation: lift the pot so that any excess water runs out from underneath. Also, if the potting soil dries out a little too much, immerse the entire pot in water for 3 to 5 minutes and then let it drain off.

Fertilising

Use specific slow-release organic fertilisers, of Japanese origin, with titres designed for bonsai. Spread on the pot, under the foliage, lightly inserting the granules into the soil.

Winter fertilisation should be done with an organic fertiliser that is less rich in nitrogen, such as Biogold classic, in order to avoid over-fertilisation.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

Avoid stagnation: lift the pot so that any excess water runs out at the bottom The plant tolerates cold temperatures. However, in winter, with temperatures below 5 degrees, it is preferable to protect the roots with mulch and place the plant in full sun. In summer with strong light intensity and high temperatures, place in half shade. If the soil dries out a little too much, immerse the entire pot in water for 3-5 minutes and then let it drain off.