Glow Pop Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata 'NCIC1'

Proven Winners®

Brilliant Lime-Gold Foliage that Glows Without Sun-Scorch in Full Sun
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall, 2-3 Wide
Deer Resistant, Disease Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Excellent Hedge or Foundation Planting

$27⁵⁹

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

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.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Glow Pop® Japanese Holly is a cheerful, compact evergreen that glows with nearly fluorescent lime-gold foliage that refuses to burn, even in full sun. This dwarf, ball-shaped holly is perfect for small gardens, containers, and mixed borders where year-round color and tidy form are essential. Growing just 2–3 feet tall and wide, Glow Pop® grows faster than other yellow-leafed Japanese hollies and maintains its vivid color without fading all season long.

Brilliant lime-gold foliage that glows in the garden without sun-scorch
Naturally compact, ball-shaped habit, 2–3 ft. tall and wide, no shaping needed
Faster-growing than competing yellow Japanese hollies
Female plant, produces black berries with a nearby male pollinator
Perfect for containers, small borders, foundation plantings, and mixed beds
Evergreen year-round structure with vibrant foliage color
Hardy in Zones 5–9

Glow Pop® Japanese Holly thrives in full sun to part shade with moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Best foliage color is achieved in sunnier locations; in too much shade the golden tones may become more muted. Water regularly during establishment; once rooted, it is reasonably adaptable. No significant pruning is required to maintain its natural ball shape. Pair with dark-leafed companions to maximize the golden glow effect. This sunny little evergreen is a standout in all four seasons. Add to your garden today!

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the growth rate of Glow Pop Japanese Holly - slow, moderate, or fast?

Glow Pop Japanese Holly has a moderate to fast growth rate, growing faster than other yellow-leafed Japanese holly varieties. It reaches its mature size of 2-3 feet tall and wide relatively quickly while maintaining its compact, ball-shaped form. Expect steady growth in full sun to part shade with regular watering during establishment.

When does Glow Pop Japanese Holly bloom and what color are the flowers?

Glow Pop Japanese Holly produces small, inconspicuous white flowers in late spring. The flowers aren't showy, but female plants will develop attractive black berries if a male holly is planted nearby for pollination. Focus on this variety's stunning lime-gold foliage rather than blooms when planning your garden design.

Is Glow Pop Japanese Holly deer resistant?

Japanese hollies are generally deer resistant due to their spiny leaves and bitter taste. Glow Pop's compact 2-3 foot size makes it less appealing to browsing deer than larger shrubs. Plant it in mixed borders or foundation beds where its bright foliage can shine protected.

What are good companion plants to grow alongside Glow Pop Japanese Holly?

Dark-leafed companions like evergreen boxwood, deep green conifers, or burgundy-leafed shrubs create stunning contrast with Glow Pop's lime-gold foliage. Purple-leafed heuchera, dark green hostas, or crimson barberry work beautifully in mixed borders. Plant companions with similar water needs and zone 5-9 hardiness for best results.

How much maintenance and pruning does Glow Pop Japanese Holly require?

Glow Pop Japanese Holly requires minimal maintenance with no pruning needed to maintain its natural 2-3 foot ball shape. Water regularly during establishment, then it becomes quite adaptable. Pair with dark-leafed plants to showcase its golden glow, available at naturehills.com.

Can Glow Pop Japanese Holly tolerate drought conditions once established?

Glow Pop Japanese Holly is reasonably adaptable to drought once established, though it prefers consistent moisture. During the first growing season, water regularly to help it develop a strong root system. Once rooted, reduce watering frequency but monitor during extended dry spells.