Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® 15 CM BALL

Planting and Positioning

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'®, also known as Japanese Holly, is a compact, evergreen shrub that closely resembles boxwood (Buxus), but with better disease resistance and lower maintenance. Its small, glossy, dark green leaves and natural ability to hold a tight, formal shape make it ideal for topiary balls and structured planting in modern and traditional gardens alike.

• Preferred Location: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a variety of light conditions but performs best with at least a few hours of sunlight daily.

• Soil Requirements: Grows well in moist, well-drained soil. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil but will tolerate a range of pH levels if drainage is good.

• Soil Preparation: Improve heavy soils with organic matter such as compost or leaf mould. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn, allowing roots to establish before extreme temperatures set in.

• Spacing: If planting multiple balls or using as low hedging, space plants at 30–50 cm apart, depending on desired density.

• Container Suitability: Perfect for pots and planters. Use an acidic or ericaceous compost mixed with horticultural grit for better drainage.

• Drainage: Ensure excellent drainage, especially in containers. Waterlogging is a common cause of decline in Ilex crenata.

Routine Maintenance and Shaping

Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’® is low-maintenance and slow-growing, making it ideal for shaping into neat forms. With a little care, its formal shape and year-round colour will remain sharp and tidy.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during the first growing season to help roots establish. Once established, it becomes more drought-tolerant but still benefits from watering in dry spells.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to support healthy foliage and even growth. Alternatively, use a liquid feed for acid-loving plants.

• Pruning: Shape lightly once or twice a year, ideally in late spring or early summer, using clean shears or topiary clippers. Avoid trimming too late in the season, as new growth may be damaged by frost.

• Weeding: Keep the base of the plant weed-free to avoid competition for water and nutrients.

• Mulching: A light mulch of bark or compost in spring helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch a few centimetres away from the stem to avoid rot.

• Leaf Colour: Retains rich dark green colour year-round without bronzing, making it a better alternative to some other hollies or box.

• Growth Rate: Slow-growing, so ideal for topiary and structured plantings without frequent maintenance.

Seasonal Care and Long-Term Health

With the right conditions, Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’® offers decades of structural beauty. It's robust, evergreen, and well-suited to both formal gardens and contemporary designs.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy in most regions, including colder UK climates. However, in exposed sites or in containers, protect from harsh, drying winter winds.

• Frost Protection: When grown in pots, wrap containers in fleece or bubble wrap in severe cold to protect the root system.

• Re-potting: If container-grown, re-pot every 2–3 years in spring using fresh acidic compost to prevent compaction and maintain health.

• Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, including the box blight and box tree caterpillar that commonly affect Buxus. Occasionally, aphids or spider mites may appear but rarely cause serious issues.

• Long-Term Shape: Easily maintained as a 15 cm ball, but can be allowed to grow larger if desired. Prune as needed to maintain form.

• Companion Planting: Works well alongside heathers, azaleas, and other acid-loving evergreens. Also effective as a contrast plant in gravel gardens or modern pots.

• Air Quality: Helps filter air pollutants, contributing to a healthier garden environment.

Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’® 15 cm Ball is an excellent, low-maintenance choice for structured garden designs, containers, and topiary displays. With neat evergreen foliage and strong resilience against common box problems, it provides lasting shape, colour, and sophistication in any setting. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned gardeners seeking year-round impact with minimal upkeep

• Size
  15 CM BALL C2

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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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.