Ilex cren.dark green pyramid

Description and Characteristics

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® in pyramid form is a sculptural, evergreen topiary prized for its refined shape, dense foliage, and outstanding resilience against boxwood diseases. Trained into a classic conical silhouette, it offers year-round elegance and symmetry, making it ideal for entrances, terraces, patios, or formal garden design.

This cultivar of Japanese holly features tiny, deep green, glossy leaves that resemble box (Buxus sempervirens) but with the added benefit of being resistant to box blight and box tree moth. The growth habit is naturally tight and upright, requiring only light trimming to maintain its shape. Unlike traditional topiary plants, it rarely becomes leggy and retains a lush, full appearance.

Typically reaching 80–150 cm in height depending on maturity, the pyramid form of 'Dark Green'® makes a bold statement while remaining compact enough for container displays or formal border repetition.

• Evergreen topiary with classic conical/pyramid shape

• Features tiny, glossy dark green foliage year-round

• Grows to approx. 80–150 cm tall, depending on form and pruning

• Ideal boxwood alternative: disease- and pest-resistant

• Low-maintenance, architectural, and visually striking in all seasons

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® (Pyramid) is easy to grow, long-lived, and adaptable to a wide range of garden conditions—making it a favourite for both professionals and homeowners.

• Light Requirements:

  • Grows well in full sun to partial shade

  • Foliage retains its colour and density even in lightly shaded areas

  • More shade-tolerant than box and other topiary standards

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers moist, well-drained soil

  • Requires acidic to neutral pH—avoid alkaline or chalky soil

  • Use peat-free ericaceous compost for containers

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the first year to help establish roots

  • Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant

  • Container plants require more frequent watering, especially in dry weather

• Feeding:

  • Feed in spring with a slow-release ericaceous fertiliser

  • Apply mulch annually to help conserve soil moisture and improve structure

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Clip 2–3 times a year to maintain crisp pyramid form

  • Use clean, sharp shears for precise shaping

  • Remove any wayward or reverted shoots to maintain uniform growth

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 6–9 (RHS H5–H6)

  • Fully evergreen and frost-hardy in most UK and Irish conditions

  • For containers, wrap the pot or mulch the base to protect roots in exposed settings

Garden Uses, Design Impact, and Companion Planting

The pyramid form of Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® brings refined structure, formality, and four-season presence to a wide range of garden styles. It’s ideal for both symmetrical layout planting and as a solo feature in small spaces.

• Design Applications:

  • Perfect for formal entrances, pathways, or garden focal points

  • Use in pairs or sequences to frame doors, windows, or gates

  • Adds vertical contrast in gravel gardens, parterres, or minimalist designs

• Container Use:

  • Excellent for planters at doorways, patios, or terraces

  • Use heavy, frost-proof pots with drainage holes

  • Combine with trailing plants like ivy or seasonal flowers for soft contrast

• Companion Plants:

  • Combines beautifully with Camellia, Azalea, Pieris, and Rhododendron in acid-loving schemes

  • Pairs well with silver and purple foliage (e.g., Lavandula, Heuchera, Stachys)

  • Works nicely alongside grasses, ferns, and compact perennials

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Highly resistant to box blight and box tree moth

  • Rarely affected by other pests

  • Chlorosis (yellowing) may occur in alkaline soils—correct with iron or acidic compost

• Size
  26

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)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.