Ilex Crenata Compacta #3

'Compacta' is technically a holly, but you wouldn’t know it by touching it. Instead of sharp, prickly leaves, it has small, soft, oval leaves that look remarkably like a Boxwood.

This is the shrub you choose when you want a clean, polished look without the fuss. It naturally grows into a dense, rounded mound, making it the perfect "green meatball" for foundation plantings or a low, formal hedge lining your walkway.

Why we recommend them for NC Piedmont Triad yards:

• No Spines: Unlike traditional hollies, the leaves are soft and smooth. You can plant these right next to your front steps or driveway without worrying about scratching your legs or the kids getting poked.

• Clay Buster: One reason this plant is a staple in King and Winston-Salem is that it actually prefers our heavy clay soils. While other plants struggle to root in the "NC red," the 'Compacta' settles right in.

• A Clean Choice: lush green foliage without the production of berries. This makes them excellent for areas near patios or sidewalks where you don't want fruit dropping and staining the concrete.

• Shape Shifter: While it naturally forms a globose (round) shape, it takes shearing incredibly well. You can trim it into a tight square hedge, a perfect sphere, or let it grow a bit fluffier for a natural look.

Best Used For: Foundation plantings (to hide the concrete block at the base of a house), low formal hedges, or flanking an entryway.

Planting & Care

The 'Compacta' Japanese Holly is a moderate grower that typically reaches 6 feet tall and wide if left unpruned, but it is easily maintained at a much smaller size (3–4 feet) with an annual trim.

It thrives in full sun to partial shade. Just keep in mind: while it loves clay, it hates "wet feet," so make sure the spot drains well after a heavy rain.

For more details on how this variety performs in the landscape, see the NC State Extension Plant Toolbox ['Compacta'] or ask our staff which size is right for your project.