Shrubs
Ilex crenata 'Mariesii'
Mariesii Japanese holly
Tiny, very dark green leaves crowd upright branches on this slow-growing evergreen. Its unusual texture and small scale make it useful for bonsai, rock gardens and containers. Female plants can produce black berries when a compatible male holly supplies pollen.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Mature size
- 3–5 ft. tall × 18–40 in. wide
- Water
- Moist, well-drained soil
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 5–8 (species reference; cultivar performance may differ)
Sizes & prices
- #3Mariessii Japanese Holly$54.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
Ask about this plantSelect a section to expand.
Keep in mind: Ornamental holly berries are not edible.
Seasonal interest
- Foliage
- Evergreen.
Growing & care
- Soil
- Slightly acidic soil; avoid persistently soggy roots.
- Pruning
- Usually little needed; shape lightly in mid- to late summer if necessary.
Sources & photo credits
Photo: S. Rae from Scotland, UK · CC BY 2.0
.jpg){kind=link}
Image notes: Mariesii Japanese holly. Representative plant; resized and re-encoded, not cropped.
Reviewed September 21, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.