A garden is being formed in Wilson for all to enjoy. The Wilson Display Garden is located at the Agricultural Center at 1806 South Goldsboro Street. When the garden is completed over 109 different plants will be available to view their growth habits and cultural needs. At date the garden has at least 50 different plant species with labels. This is your garden to give you ideas to bring home.

This month the plant that got my attention is Ilex crenata 'Golden Gem' or Japanese Holly 'Golden Gem'. You may be familiar with other cultivars of this common southeastern foundation landscape plant such as 'Helleri' or 'Compacta' Japanese Hollies. But there are a lot more Japanese hollies to choose from, especially 'Golden Gem' to brighten up the winter landscape.

This plant transplants readily from a container and prefers a light, moist, well-drained, slightly acid soil. It can tolerate shade or full sun but 'Golden Gem' color is best developed in a sunny location. It will tolerate urban settings and is over-all a tough plant.

Japanese hollies different from most of the hollies in the world since their leaves do not have spines, the leaves are small and rounded, similar to a boxwood leaf. The fruit is also unlike other hollies in that it is not very ornamental. The fruit is black and borne under the foliage. This holly has evergreen or evergold foliage.

'Golden Gem' can fill the niche in the winter landscape where a burst of golden leaves is needed. The plant habit is low and spreading. It is similar to 'Convexa' in that it is one of the hardiest forms of Japanese hollies, vase-shaped, and dense. It may reach up to 9 feet in height and 24 feet in width after 40 years.

In general, Japanese hollies need little care but spider mites and nematodes can be serious problem. They also can suffer root rot diseases so avoid wet or poorly drained sites.

This plant can make an excellent textural difference in the garden and can be used for more than foundation plantings such as hedges or mass planted. 'Golden Gem' is a very handsome and worthwhile plant. 'Helleri' and 'Compacta' tend to be overused and butchered with pruning shears to create green meatballs around the house foundation. But if 'Golden Gem' holly is left to grow naturally it can be admired by all.

Take a walk through the Wilson Display Garden this winter and 'Golden Gem' holly is sure to reveal it's golden character.

Date Created: 12/06/00.