The Glossy, Ground-Covering Plant That Stays Colorful All Winter

Garden tasks may slow and plants may go dormant in the colder months, but your landscape doesn't have to lose its color. This is especially true if you're dreaming up ways to refresh your plant beds come spring. If you're looking for an easy, low-maintenance plant that brings beneficial ground cover and adds beauty back to your yard, planting Brass Buckle Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) is a cheerful solution. This Japanese holly variety has glossy, deep green to yellow foliage that stays vibrant all year-round. 

Hardy in zones 5 to 8, this is perfect for borders and containers, and it offers a big visual impact without requiring much care. Brass Buckle Japanese holly is a low-maintenance plant that hardly needs any attention to thrive. It resists most common pests and diseases and maintains its shape with minimal pruning. It is invasive in a few small areas on the east coast, but most people can plant it without issue. If you want to spruce up a dull patch in your garden, this species keeps your garden looking alive and your green thumb engaged all winter long.

Because the weather is mild, fall or early spring are the best times to plant Brass Buckle. You should choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun to partial shade. Brass Buckle also needs well-draining soil that's slightly acidic. A pH level of between 5 and 6.5 is ideal. You'll also need to account for its space needs. To give each plant enough room to spread, plant them 3 to 4 feet apart. A light layer of mulch will help lock in moisture. If you need to make your soil more acidic, pine bark or needles are great mulch options that do just that.

Once your plants are established, maintenance is minimal. Brass Buckle Japanese holly likes to be moderately moist, so plan to water it regularly in between rainfall. It's not required, but applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer is helpful in promoting growth. In early to mid-summer, you can also choose to prune dead or damaged branches as needed to maintain your Brass Buckle's shape.