Photo of Ilex crenata 'Drops of Gold' foliage by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Ilex crenata 'Drops of Gold'

Also Known As

  • Japanese Holly

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 3'-4'
  • W: 3'-4'

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

More Options

Ilex crenata 'Drops of Gold' plant details

Ilex crenata 'Drops of Gold' is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with gold foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by black fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - shade and regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ilex crenata 'Drops of Gold'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: aquifoliaceae
Foliage: evergreen gold
Mature size: 3 FT - 4 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ilex crenata 'Drops of Gold'

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Bright yellow very small glossy leaves. This evergreen shrub gets 2-3’ tall and can grow in full sun so will give a bright spot of color all year round.
Brilliant yellow in spring, the leaves of this compact 3-4 footer turn a pleasant soft yellow in summer; from R. Byrnes in Ohio. Sun-PSh/Med PPatent 14420
While most gold leafed hollies look sick at best, this unique new holly is quite attractive. The spring flush is a brilliant yellow which slowly changes into a pleasing dusty yellow hue. Coloration is most prominent on leaves exposed to the sun. Little black berries appear even on young plants. Expect this shrub to grow 3-4' high and wide. 1 gallon plants.

Gardening facts about Ilex crenata 'Drops of Gold' plant

How to Grow Ilex crenata 'Drops of Gold'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • gold
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Fruit

    • black
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy

See other plant types of Ilex for your garden

aka Dwarf Pagoda Japanese Holly

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 1'-3'

  • sun - bright shade
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Ilex crenata 'Dwarf Pagoda' by Grace Peterson
View Plant

aka Geisha Japanese Holly

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Ilex crenata 'Geisha' foliage by plant lust
View Plant

aka Rock Garden Holly

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 1'-2'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • regular
Photo of Ilex 'Rock Garden' foliage by Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery
View Plant

aka Ilex crenata 'Snowflake', Snowflake Japanese Holly

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 5'-6'

  • sun - shade
  • regular
Photo of Ilex crenata 'Shiro-Fukurin' foliage by plant lust
View Plant

aka Holly

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 1'-2'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - shade
  • regular
Photo of Ilex crenata 'Lemon Gem' foliage by plant lust
View Plant

More Options

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