Drops Of Gold Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata 'Drops of Gold'

Nature Hills Nursery

Golden-Tipped Foliage Creates Year-Round Two-Tone Shimmer on this Touch of Gold Holly
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 3-4 ft Tall, 4-6 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Disease Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Showy White Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring

$84⁵⁹

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the brightest golden foliage, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light). While it handles partial shade well, the leaves will shift toward a lime green color rather than the signature vibrant yellow.
Soil: This holly prefers slightly acidic, well drained soil that stays consistently moist. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost or peat moss to improve drainage and lower the pH level.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water twice a week to ensure the root ball stays moist while it anchors into its new home. Once established, Drops of Gold is quite drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during extreme heat can lead to leaf drop or scorched edges. Aim for deep soakings at the base of the plant rather than frequent light sprinkles.

Pruning Tips

Since this holly blooms on old wood, you should wait until immediately after the spring flowering period to prune. This allows you to shape the shrub into a low hedge or rounded mound without sacrificing the tiny white flowers. Think of pruning like a light haircut to maintain its dense, compact habit and to encourage fresh, colorful new growth.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow release fertilizer formulated for acid loving evergreens in early spring before new growth emerges. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers in late summer or fall because this can trigger tender new growth that will get damaged by the first winter frost. A balanced approach ensures the plant has the energy it needs for that brilliant golden color all season long.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Golden droplets shine brilliantly in your garden all year! Drops Of Gold Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata 'Drops of Gold') is the sort of finishing touch any garden needs! Small, glossy, rounded leaves, are uniquely variegated with the outermost leaves exhibiting the brightest, golden yellow color! Older, more interior foliage is glossy and rich green for a two-tone effect.

In spring, you will see insignificant white flowers that are not the showiest, but the bees and butterflies will seek them out. Then the female plants produce petite, black fruit in the fall if a male Ilex crenata shrub is nearby. The tiny fruit is appreciated by local songbirds, but the plant is grown more for the brilliantly colorful foliage. With or without fruit, an outstanding landscape plant. The yellow foliage stands out among the other greenery and contrasts against the darker reddish-brown stems.

Compact and slowly spreading, Drops of Gold enhance your landscape with a gilded presence! Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 6 to 8, these bright broadleaf evergreens grow to a neat and tidy 3-4 feet in height and 4-5 feet in width to create wonderful privacy in your landscape!

Planting and Application:

Japanese Holly is well-known for its low-maintenance nature. These evergreen shrubs are suitable for hedging, foundation plants or foliage accents for that very reason, looking crisp and clean year-round! Imagine the curb appeal your home will gain with gleaming golden brilliance with these plants as your front planting, as a hedge separating the front yard from the sidewalk, or as a golden border along your driveway.

Drops of Gold offer a striking contrast among low borders and these gleaming landscape stars look amazing everywhere! Asian and Zen-inspired gardens, Wildlife and Urban Gardens alike welcome Drops of Gold! Brilliant as backdrops to make the rest of your garden beds and borders just pop! Imagine in the winter as the snow flies, when these shrubs remain golden green and shine through the winter! Snip a few stems for your winter décor and floral design greenery!

Large planters and containers, or your favorite urn become beacons with the addition of this fantastic specimen and accent plant! Urban tolerant, these shrubs do well in a wide range of conditions and climates, so you know they will do amazing in your garden.

Uniquely Variegated Ornamental Broadleaf Evergreen
Tiny Gleaming Golden-Yellow Foliage
Inconspicuous White Flowers in Spring
Compact Spreading Growth
Tiny Black Berries If A Male Is Nearby
Urban Tolerant, Wonderful Hedge or Foundation Plant

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Drops Of Gold Japanese Holly does amazing in both full sun and part shade, Both hardy and urban tolerant, these shrubs appreciate afternoon shade in the hotter summer climates! Plants in containers need enriched, well-drained soil and regular moisture. In-ground shrubs are not particular on soil type, and Japanese Holly prefers well-drained, moist soils. Drops of Gold does best when consistently watered but not soggy. A generous layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture as well as insulate the root system from heat and chill. Light pruning is suggested in early spring to head back any branches that may need shortening up or to maintain size.

Full Sun to Part Shade
Enriched Well-Drained Slightly Acidic, Mulched Soil
Moderate Moisture Needs
Resistant to Pests & Diseases
Prune to Any Size or Shape in Early Spring
Low Maintenance & Easy-Care

These are hardy and adaptable evergreens that become resplendent landscape highlights in a wide range of conditions. Order your own Drops of Gold Japanese Holly for that sparkling golden color your garden deserves! Call Nature Hills Nursery today!

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones can Drops of Gold Japanese Holly survive in?

Drops of Gold Japanese Holly thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 8. These broadleaf evergreens handle winter temperatures well while maintaining their golden variegated foliage year-round. Plant in fall or early spring for best establishment in your climate zone.

How tall and wide does Drops of Gold Japanese Holly get when fully mature?

Drops of Gold Japanese Holly reaches 3-4 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide at maturity. This compact, slow-growing evergreen maintains a neat, tidy form in zones 6-8. Plan spacing accordingly for hedging or foundation plantings available at naturehills.com.

How often should I water my newly planted Drops of Gold Japanese Holly?

Water newly planted Drops of Gold Japanese Holly deeply once or twice weekly for the first growing season. These low-maintenance evergreens need consistent moisture to establish their root system in zones 6-8. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 2 inches deep and water when dry.

Is Drops of Gold Japanese Holly a fast-growing or slow-growing plant?

Drops of Gold Japanese Holly is a slow-growing shrub that reaches 3-4 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide at maturity. This compact growth habit makes it perfect for low-maintenance hedging and foundation plantings in zones 6-8. Plan spacing accordingly since it won't quickly fill gaps like faster-growing alternatives.

Will deer eat Drops of Gold Japanese Holly or is it deer resistant?

Japanese Holly is generally deer resistant due to its dense, glossy evergreen foliage that deer typically avoid. The small, tough leaves and compact 3-4 foot growth habit make Drops of Gold an excellent choice for areas with deer pressure. Plant it confidently as hedging or foundation plantings available at naturehills.com.

Does this holly produce berries and are they toxic to pets or children?

Female plants produce small black berries in fall when a male Japanese Holly is nearby for pollination. Holly berries are mildly toxic to pets and children if consumed in quantity. Keep an eye on curious kids and pets around fruiting plants.

How much fertilizer does Drops of Gold Japanese Holly need throughout the year?

Drops of Gold Japanese Holly requires minimal fertilization due to its low-maintenance nature. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied once in early spring is typically sufficient for healthy growth in zones 6-8. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce the brilliant golden variegation that makes this cultivar special.

Does Drops of Gold Japanese Holly need pruning and when is the best time to trim it?

Japanese Holly rarely needs pruning due to its naturally compact, slow-growing habit. If shaping is desired, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light trimming maintains the 3-4 foot height and preserves the brilliant golden foliage display.