Ilex crenata – Elegant Evergreen in Pyramidal Form

Ilex crenata, commonly known as Japanese Holly, is a refined evergreen shrub grown for its dense, glossy green foliage and neat, architectural form. The 100cm pyramidal (PYR) shape is a highly decorative, ready-trained feature plant that brings instant elegance to patios, entrances, and formal gardens.

Often used as an alternative to box (Buxus), Ilex crenata offers the same fine foliage and compact habit but with excellent disease resistance. Its naturally small leaves, tidy growth, and tolerance of clipping make it ideal for topiary and formal designs. Whether displayed in a container or planted directly into a border, the pyramidal form provides year-round structure and a classic, timeless look.

General Information

Native to East Asia, Ilex crenata is a versatile evergreen shrub well-suited to ornamental gardening. Its pyramidal form is carefully shaped by expert growers to create a strong vertical accent in gardens and landscapes.

• Growth habit: Dense, bushy, and upright with naturally small leaves

• Height & spread: Supplied at 100cm in a neat pyramidal shape; can grow taller with time if untrimmed

• Foliage: Tiny, glossy, deep-green evergreen leaves, resembling box but without the risk of blight

• Flowers: Small white flowers in spring, followed by tiny black berries on female plants (not always present in clipped forms)

• Position: Thrives in sun or partial shade

• Hardiness: Fully hardy, tolerating frost and cold winters well

• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil; dislikes chalky soils

• Uses: Ideal for entrances, patios, formal gardens, low hedging, or topiary features

Its long life, adaptability, and elegant structure make it a mainstay in both traditional and modern garden designs.

Care Guide

Ilex crenata (pyramidal form) is easy to maintain, keeping its strong structure with just occasional clipping.

Planting

• Plant in full sun or partial shade for best results.

• Prefers moist, fertile, acidic soil; mix in ericaceous compost if your soil is alkaline.

• When planting in containers, use a loam-based, ericaceous compost with good drainage.

• Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and protect roots.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly in the first year to establish roots.

• Container-grown plants need consistent watering, especially in dry spells.

• Apply a slow-release fertiliser for acid-loving plants in spring to support growth and foliage colour.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Trim once or twice a year to maintain the pyramidal form.

• Best clipped in late spring or summer using sharp shears or secateurs.

• Remove any stray shoots to keep the neat outline.

• Avoid heavy pruning into old wood, as regrowth is slow.

Protection

• Fully hardy and resilient, requiring no winter protection.

• Shelter from very strong winds in exposed sites, which can dry the foliage.

• Watch for chlorosis (yellowing leaves) in alkaline soils; correct with ericaceous feed.

Why Choose Ilex crenata (Pyramidal Form)?

This ready-trained, 100cm pyramid is a superb way to add instant impact and formal elegance to your garden. Its compact size, glossy foliage, and year-round structure make it both practical and ornamental.

• Box alternative: Dense growth and fine leaves, but resistant to box blight

• Ready-shaped: Supplied as a neatly clipped 100cm pyramid

• Low-maintenance: Holds its shape well, needing only light clipping

• Evergreen: Provides structure and greenery in all seasons

• Versatile use: Perfect for entrances, patios, formal beds, and containers

Ilex crenata in a 100cm pyramidal form is a fantastic investment for instant architectural impact. Whether flanking a doorway, adding formality to a garden, or used in stylish patio pots, it brings structure, elegance, and year-round beauty.

• Size
  100 CM PYR C10

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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