Ilex crenata 100 CM PYR C12

Planting Your Ilex crenata Pyramid

Ilex crenata, commonly known as Japanese holly, is a dense evergreen shrub with small, glossy leaves. Trained into a 100 cm pyramid and supplied in a 12-litre container, it provides immediate structure for entrances, pathways, patios and formal borders. Its fine foliage responds well to clipping, making it a popular alternative to traditional box topiary.

• Choose a position in full sun or partial shade. Good light encourages dense, even foliage, while light afternoon shade can be beneficial in hot, exposed locations.

• Select a reasonably sheltered site away from severe frost, cold drying winds and intense reflected heat.

• Plant in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Japanese holly prefers acidic to neutral conditions and can struggle in strongly alkaline or chalky ground.

• Improve heavy or compacted soil with well-rotted organic matter and suitable drainage material. Avoid places where water collects after rain.

• Water the plant thoroughly before removing it from its container. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than its existing height.

• Position the plant upright with the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil. Examine the pyramid from several angles to ensure it is straight.

• Backfill carefully, firm the soil gently and water generously to settle the roots.

• Apply a 5–7 cm layer of composted bark or leaf mould around the root area, keeping the mulch away from the main stem.

• For container growing, choose a heavy, frost-resistant pot with drainage holes. Use ericaceous or neutral, free-draining compost and ensure the base remains stable.

Watering, Feeding and Seasonal Care

Consistent moisture helps Japanese holly establish successfully and maintain healthy, dark-green foliage. The soil should remain moderately moist without becoming saturated.

• Water deeply and regularly throughout the first growing season. Apply water across the whole root area rather than only beside the stem.

• Check the soil frequently during warm, dry or windy weather. The dense pyramid can direct rainfall away from the root ball.

• Container-grown plants may require daily checks during hot summer conditions. Water thoroughly until excess moisture drains from the base.

• Empty saucers and decorative outer containers after watering. Permanently saturated compost can cause root decline and yellowing foliage.

• Reduce watering during winter, but do not allow the root ball to become completely dry. Evergreen foliage continues to lose moisture in mild or windy weather.

• Use collected rainwater where practical, particularly in hard-water regions. Repeated use of alkaline tap water may gradually raise the compost’s pH.

• Apply a balanced, slow-release shrub fertiliser in spring. An ericaceous feed may be useful where soil conditions are slightly alkaline.

• Avoid excessive fertiliser, which can produce soft, uneven growth that spoils the topiary’s shape and becomes vulnerable to frost.

• Renew the organic mulch each spring to retain moisture, discourage weeds and improve the soil.

• Protect exposed containers during prolonged freezing weather by insulating the pot and raising it on feet to maintain drainage.

Pruning and Maintaining the Pyramid Shape

Regular light trimming will preserve the pyramid’s crisp outline and encourage dense foliage from its broad base to its narrow tip. Gentle, frequent shaping is preferable to occasional severe pruning.

• Complete the main trim in late spring or early summer after the risk of severe frost has passed.

• Give the pyramid a second light trim in late summer if necessary. Avoid pruning late in autumn because new growth may be damaged by frost.

• Use clean, sharp topiary shears or secateurs. Begin at the top and work downwards, following the established slope on every side.

• Keep the base slightly wider than the upper section. This allows sunlight to reach the lower foliage and prevents bare patches from developing.

• Step back frequently and inspect the plant from several directions. Remove small amounts gradually to avoid creating flat areas, hollows or an uneven tip.

• Avoid cutting deeply into old, bare wood, as regeneration may be slow or unreliable.

• Remove dead, damaged, diseased or crossing shoots whenever they appear. Clean tools after cutting unhealthy growth.

• Rotate container-grown specimens periodically so that all sides receive comparable light and develop evenly.

• Inspect the foliage for scale insects, spider mites and leaf-mining pests. Good airflow and appropriate watering improve the plant’s natural resilience.

• Yellow leaves can indicate drought, waterlogging, alkaline soil or nutrient deficiency. Check moisture, drainage and soil conditions before applying extra feed.

• With suitable soil, steady moisture and careful trimming, this 100 cm Ilex crenata pyramid will remain an elegant, dependable evergreen feature for many years.

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
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 DPD 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.