Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® 35 cm Ball Care Guide

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® is a compact, evergreen shrub that resembles boxwood (Buxus), making it a fantastic alternative for topiary, hedging, or container planting. With small, glossy green leaves and a naturally dense growth habit, it maintains its shape well and is low-maintenance once established.

Planting and Positioning

• Sunlight Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun to partial shade.

  • Can tolerate shaded areas, but growth may be slower.

  • Suitable for hedging, topiary, or formal garden displays.

• Soil Preferences:

  • Grows well in moist, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.

  • Avoid planting in heavy clay or waterlogged soil to prevent root rot.

  • If growing in a container, use a loamy, free-draining compost with added grit for better drainage.

• Planting Recommendations:

  • If planting in the ground, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and mix in organic matter.

  • Space plants 30-50 cm apart for hedging or group planting.

  • Ensure the root ball is level with the soil surface and water thoroughly after planting.

Watering, Feeding, and General Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep soil consistently moist, especially in the first year after planting.

  • Once established, Ilex crenata is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering in dry spells.

  • Container-grown plants need frequent watering, especially in warmer months.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy foliage growth.

  • If the leaves turn yellow, consider an acidic fertilizer to lower soil pH.

  • Mulch around the base in spring or autumn to retain moisture and improve soil health.

• Mulching:

  • Use organic mulch such as compost, leaf mold, or bark chips to help keep the roots cool.

  • Maintain a 2-3 cm mulch layer but avoid direct contact with the main stem.

Pruning and Pest Control

• Pruning:

  • Prune in spring or late summer to maintain shape and remove any straggly growth.

  • Ilex crenata responds well to regular clipping, making it perfect for topiary and hedge shaping.

  • If maintaining a ball shape, use sharp shears or secateurs to achieve a neat, even look.

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest-resistant, but may occasionally attract spider mites or scale insects—treat with insecticidal soap if necessary.

  • Resistant to box blight, making it an excellent alternative to Buxus (boxwood).

  • Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal issues.

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® is a hardy, reliable, and elegant evergreen that provides year-round structure in the garden. Whether used as a formal topiary, low hedge, or container feature, it remains easy to care for and thrives with minimal maintenance.

• Size
  35 CM BALL C15

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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