Ilex crenata ‘Convexa’ Care Guide

Ilex crenata ‘Convexa’ is a dense, slow-growing evergreen shrub prized for its small, glossy dark-green leaves and naturally rounded, compact habit. Often used as a low hedge, edging plant, or box (Buxus) alternative, it’s easy to shape and resistant to common box problems such as blight and leaf miner. Hardy, long-lived, and low-maintenance, ‘Convexa’ is an excellent choice for neat garden structure and formal designs.

Planting & Position

Planting in the right place will help your holly establish and stay healthy for decades.

• Light requirements:

  • Thrives in full sun to partial shade.

  • Avoid very deep shade for best leaf density.

• Soil:

  • Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils.

  • Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal; will tolerate mildly alkaline soils if improved with organic matter.

  • Avoid waterlogged ground.

• Planting time:

  • Best planted in spring or autumn when soil is moist and temperatures mild.

  • Water pots well before planting and soak roots if dry.

• Spacing:

  • For low hedges: plant 25–30 cm apart for a dense line.

  • As single shrubs or topiary: allow 40–60 cm for natural spread.

• Container planting:

  • Suitable for pots (40 cm+ wide) using loam-based compost (e.g., John Innes No.3) mixed with some ericaceous compost for pH balance and added grit for drainage.

Care & Maintenance

Once established, Ilex crenata ‘Convexa’ is hardy, reliable, and very low-maintenance.

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first 1–2 years until roots are established.

  • Mature plants are drought-tolerant but look better with deep watering in prolonged dry spells.

  • Container plants dry out faster — check moisture often, especially in summer.

• Feeding:

  • Feed in spring with a slow-release balanced fertiliser to support fresh growth and lush foliage.

  • Container plants benefit from monthly liquid feeds from spring to mid-summer.

• Pruning & shaping:

  • Naturally compact and rounded but responds well to clipping.

  • Trim once or twice a year — late spring and again in late summer if a very neat look is desired.

  • Always avoid cutting into bare, old wood, as regrowth is slow.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a mulch of compost, leaf mould, or bark in spring to conserve moisture and feed soil. Keep mulch away from the main stem.

• Pests & diseases:

  • Highly resistant to box blight and box leaf miner.

  • Generally pest-free but may occasionally attract aphids or scale insects if stressed.

• Hardiness:

  • Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland; tolerates frost, wind, and urban pollution once established.

Design Uses & Seasonal Interest

‘Ilex crenata’ ‘Convexa’ is a versatile, elegant evergreen that fits many garden styles.

• Low hedging:

  • Ideal for formal edges, parterre borders, and neat lines along paths or driveways.

• Topiary & shapes:

  • Perfect for spheres, cones, or low sculptural forms — an easy alternative to box.

• Containers & patios:

  • Excellent in pots to frame entrances, patios, or balconies; can be underplanted with seasonal bedding for extra colour.

• All-year appeal:

  • Dense, glossy evergreen foliage stays fresh and green even in winter.

  • Compact growth habit keeps a tidy look with minimal effort.

• Wildlife value:

  • Flowers (tiny but nectar-rich) attract pollinators in spring.

  • Berries on female plants feed birds in autumn and winter.

In summary: Ilex crenata ‘Convexa’ is a tough, elegant evergreen shrub perfect for low hedges, topiary, and container planting. Plant in moist, well-drained soil, water well while young, feed in spring, and trim once or twice a year to maintain shape. Resistant to box problems and easy to care for, it’s an ideal, long-term choice for formal or modern gardens.

• Size
  2 lt

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

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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.
 

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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.
 

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