Ilex Crenata Hoogendorn #3

The Shrub That Actually Stays Low

Tired of planting "dwarf" shrubs under your windows only to have them block your view three years later? You need the Hoogendorn Japanese Holly.

Here at Mitchell’s, this best-seller is the "Low-Rider" of the hollies. While others try to shoot for the moon, the Hoogendorn is built to spread out and relax. It mimics the classic, dense look of a Boxwood with small, flat, dark green leaves -- but without the worry of Boxwood Blight.

In the Mount Airy, King, and Winston-Salem area, this is the go-to problem solver for foundation plantings. Because it naturally grows wider than it does tall, it creates a lush "green cushion" that looks clean year-round without having use hedge trimmers.

Why we recommend them for NC Piedmont Triad yards:

• Window-Friendly: This is one of our #1 recommendations for planting under low windows. It stays roughly knee-high (around 2 feet), so you never have to worry about it blocking your view or sunlight.

• No Mess: The Hoogendorn puts all its energy into growing beautiful green leaves rather than producing berries. This makes it perfect for walkways where you don't want fruit squashed underfoot.

• Soft & Dense: This holly has no sharp spines. Its leaves are smooth and flat, making it safe for spaces where kids and pets play.

• Winter Warrior: This variety was actually discovered in a nursery in Rhode Island, so it laughs at our North Carolina frosts. It keeps its deep green color even when the temperatures drop.

Best Used For: Planting under low windows, bordering sidewalks, massing as a groundcover (a "drift" of these looks amazing), or replacing disease-prone Boxwoods.

Planting & Care

The Hoogendorn is a low, spreading grower, typically reaching just 2–3 feet tall but spreading 3–4 feet wide. It’s happy in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to our local soil conditions.

It’s a true "plant it and forget it" shrub. For more on how Japanese Hollies perform in our landscape, see the NC State Extension Plant Toolbox [Ilex crenata] link or ask our staff to show you some options.