Contents
Description
Ilex Crenata Golden Gem is a beautiful evergreen shrub that belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family. This plant is known for its compact and rounded growth habit, which makes it perfect for hedges, borders, and topiaries. The leaves of this plant are small, glossy, and golden-yellow in color, which adds a touch of warmth and brightness to any garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Aquifoliales |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae |
| Genus | Ilex |
Appearance
Ilex Crenata Golden Gem is a small shrub that can grow up to 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide. The leaves of this plant are small, glossy, and golden-yellow in color, and they are arranged in an alternate pattern on the stem. The flowers of this plant are small, inconspicuous, and white in color, and they bloom in late spring to early summer. The fruit of this plant is a small, black, and shiny berry that is loved by birds.
Care Guide
To keep your Ilex Crenata Golden Gem healthy and beautiful, you need to provide it with the right care. Here are some tips:- Water: Water your plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a year with a slow-release fertilizer in early spring.- Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. If your soil is too alkaline, add some peat moss or sulfur to lower the pH level.- Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade to full sun. If you plant it in full sun, make sure to water it more frequently.- Hardiness Zones: Ilex Crenata Golden Gem is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ilex Crenata Golden Gem is generally a healthy plant, but it can be affected by some pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones:- Scale insects: These insects can suck the sap from the leaves and cause yellowing and wilting. Treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. Treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.- Root rot: This disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. Improve drainage and reduce watering to prevent it.
Habitat
Ilex Crenata Golden Gem is native to Japan and Korea, and it prefers a cool and moist climate. It can grow in a variety of habitats, such as forests, hillsides, and wetlands. In gardens, it is often used as a hedge or border plant.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Ilex Crenata Golden Gem?
A: Water your plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the best fertilizer for Ilex Crenata Golden Gem?
A: Use a slow-release fertilizer once a year in early spring.
Q: Can I plant Ilex Crenata Golden Gem in full sun?
A: Yes, but make sure to water it more frequently.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Ilex Crenata Golden Gem?
A: It is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Related Plants
– Ilex Crenata Compacta- Ilex Crenata Green Lustre- Ilex Crenata Convexa- Ilex Crenata Sky Pencil
References
– “Ilex crenata Golden Gem.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a419- “Ilex crenata Golden Gem.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/80358/i-Ilex-crenata-i-Golden-Gem/Details
