How to Hedge a Japanese Holly

Japanese holly is a perennial bush or small tree that is popular for hedges because of its year-round, dense green foliage and slow growth. It needs little pruning, and its evergreen leaves are a nice splash of color in the wintertime. Individual plants are either male or female, and female plants produce a shiny black berry that is about ¼ inch in diameter. With very little fuss, a Japanese holly hedge can make a lovely addition to your landscaping.

Pruning shears
Gardening gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Transplant Japanese holly plants where you want your hedge to be, and space them 3 to 4 feet apart.
- 2
  Prune the plants so they are wider at the base than at the top, so that the lower part of the plant will get enough sunlight.
- 3
  Use pruning shears to thin out the tops of the plants. Clip off some of the smaller branches to allow more sunlight to reach the lower part of the plant.
- 4
  Cut the branches back ½ to ¾ of their length in late winter if you want to rejuvenate the plants. They will be smaller but will grow fuller foliage.

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