Happy & healthy plants shipped right to your doorstep.

Your dream garden is just a few clicks away. All orders $159+ ship for FREE (*Exclusions Apply)

Free Shipping On Plant Orders $159+

First Editions® Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata 'MAD-IC-I' PP32,035
$7999 $9999
  • In Stock
  • Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
Plant Size

Plant Sentry™

Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.

This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.

Click Here to learn more

 

Plant Sentry

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping

To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.

 

Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.

*If you have found your zone already, it will be highlighted in the table below.

Standard Shipping Rates

At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.

From To S&H
$0 $19.99 $24.99
$20 $49.99 $29.99
$50 $69.99 $34.99
$70 $99.99 $39.99
$100 $129.99 $44.99
$130 $149.99 $48.99
$150 $150+ Approx 28%

Click here to see our full rates

Plant Highlights

First Editions® Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly highlights at a glance!

Plant Highlights

  • Brand
    First Editions
  • Botanical Name
    Ilex crenata 'MAD-IC-I' PP32,035
  • Growing Zones
    6 - 8
  • Mature Height
    5 - 7 Feet
  • Mature Spread
    3 - 4 Feet
  • Sun Exposure
    Full Sun, Partial Shade
  • Moisture
    Medium
  • Soil
    Well Drained Soil
  • Growth Rate
    Medium
  • Fall Color
    Evergreen
  • Pruning Time
    Early Spring

First Editions® Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly

Looking for a plump yet tidy, low-maintenance evergreen that provides year-round structure and beauty? Meet First Editions® Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly PP#32035 (Ilex crenata 'MAD-IC-I') — a dense, rounded shrub with lush, glossy green foliage that stays vibrant through all seasons. The compact, mounded habit makes it a perfect alternative to Boxwood, offering reliable color, texture, and resilience with minimal upkeep.

This cold-hardy and deer-resistant Japanese Holly thrives in full sun to partial shade, growing 3-4 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for privacy borders, foundation plantings, hedges, and container gardens. Beautiful for framing an entryway, line a walkway, or add structure to flower beds, Chubby Hubby™ delivers polished elegance in any landscape!

>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions

Why You'll Love Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly

  • Compact, Rounded Growth – Naturally forms a dense, tidy shape, eliminating the need for frequent pruning.
  • Evergreen Foliage – Deep green, glossy leaves of this Japanese Holly stay vibrant year-round for continuous beauty.
  • Cold Hardy & Adaptable – Thrives in USDA zones 6-8, tolerating a variety of growing conditions.
  • Deer & Pest Resistant – A reliable choice for gardens where deer tend to roam.
  • Low Maintenance & Drought Tolerant – Once established, requires minimal watering and care.
  • Perfect for Borders & Hedges – Stays neat and compact, great for walkways, driveways, and foundation plantings.
  • Ideal Boxwood Alternative – Offers the same formal look with better disease resistance.
  • Thrives in Containers – Looks fantastic in patio pots, urns, and entryway planters.

Best Ways to Use Chubby Hubby™ in Your Landscape

With its dense, uniform growth and rich green color, this versatile shrub fits seamlessly into any design. Consider planting it to:

  • Frame Entryways & Walkways – Provides a clean, polished look that enhances curb appeal.
  • Line Driveways & Garden Borders – Creates a structured, elegant edge that remains beautiful all year.
  • Enhance Foundation Plantings – A fantastic way to soften the look of your home’s exterior.
  • Fill Gaps in Flower Beds – Works well with Perennials, Roses, and Ornamental Grasses.
  • Create a Low Hedge or Living Fence – Offers privacy and definition without growing too tall.
  • Use in Containers for a Formal Touch – Pairs beautifully with topiaries and seasonal blooms.

Easy Holly Growing & Care Guide

Japanese Hollies are very easy to grow and maintain! Read details here!

  • Sunlight: Grows best in full sun to partial shade; at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily ensures dense growth.
  • Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but adapts to different conditions.
  • Watering: Low to moderate; water regularly until established, then less frequently.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning needed—trim lightly in early spring to maintain shape.
  • Mulch: Spread a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch around these plants to combat weeds and retain soil moisture.
  • Spacing: Plant 2-3 feet apart for a seamless, full hedge or border.

Order Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly Today!

For a dense, polished, and effortlessly elegant evergreen, First Editions® Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly is a must-have. Whether you're looking for formal hedging, structural foundation plantings, or a reliable Boxwood alternative, this low-maintenance shrub delivers year-round beauty with minimal effort.

Want a lush, low-maintenance evergreen for year-round beauty? Order your Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly today! Now available at Nature Hills Nursery, bring the timeless charm of Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly to your landscape!

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly get?
It reaches 5-7 feet tall and can spread 3-4 feet wide, forming a dense, rounded shape that stays neat without much pruning.

Does this Holly stay green all year?
Yes! Chubby Hubby™ is an evergreen, keeping its rich green foliage vibrant year-round.

Can I use Chubby Hubby™ as a hedge?
Absolutely! Its compact, dense growth makes it perfect for low hedges, garden borders, or edging.

Does this Japanese Holly attract pollinators?
While it produces small, inconspicuous flowers, it primarily serves as an ornamental evergreen rather than a pollinator plant.

Is Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly deer-resistant?
Yes! It is naturally resistant to deer and other browsing animals, making it a great choice for wildlife-prone areas.

How often should I prune this Holly?
Very little pruning is needed—trim lightly in early spring if you want to maintain an extra-neat shape.

Can I grow Chubby Hubby™ in a container?
Yes! It thrives in decorative pots, making it an excellent choice for patios, balconies, and entryways.

Why Order From Nature Hills Nursery?

Nature Hills Nursery is committed to bringing the highest-quality plants to your door. Join thousands of happy customers and get all your planting needs at Nature Hills! We guarantee our plants for their first year! Check out lifelong support and landscaping ideas in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog and online at customer-support.naturehills.com!

First Editions® Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly

First Editions® Chubby Hubby™ Japanese Holly

$7999 $9999

Growing Zones

6 - 8

Mature Height

5 - 7 Feet

Mature Spread

3 - 4 Feet

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Foliage Color

N/A

Fall Color

Evergreen

Flower Color

N/A
View product

Find Your Garden's Growing Zone!

Error, Unable to locate a growing zone for that ZIP code.

When ordering a tree or plant, make sure to know your planting zone.

You can determine your garden’s USDA hardiness zone by entering your Zip Code below.