Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® 25 CM BALL

Planting Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’® (25cm Ball)

Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’®, often referred to as Japanese Holly, is a compact, evergreen shrub with small, glossy dark green leaves. Supplied as a 25cm ball, it is ideal for low hedging, topiary, or structured planting, offering a great alternative to box (Buxus).

Choosing the right position

• Prefers full sun to partial shade
• Tolerates shade better than many formal hedging plants
• Ideal for borders, low hedging, topiary, and containers
• Suitable for formal gardens and structured planting schemes
• Choose a sheltered position, protected from strong winds

Soil requirements

• Thrives in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil
• Does not perform well in chalky or strongly alkaline soils
• Prefers fertile, humus-rich conditions
• Avoid waterlogged or compacted soil
• Improve soil with ericaceous compost if soil is alkaline

How to plant in the ground

• Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth
• Soak the root ball before planting
• Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface
• Backfill with enriched soil and firm gently
• Water thoroughly after planting
• Space plants evenly if planting as a hedge

Planting in containers

• Use a pot with good drainage holes
• Fill with ericaceous or loam-based compost
• Choose a container slightly larger than the root ball
• Water well after planting and allow excess water to drain
• Place in a sun or partially shaded position

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’® is low maintenance and responds well to clipping, making it ideal for formal shapes and hedging.

Watering

• Water regularly during the first growing season
• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Water during dry spells, especially in summer
• Container plants require more frequent watering
• Avoid letting soil dry out completely

Feeding

• Apply a balanced or ericaceous fertiliser in spring
• Mulch annually with compost or leaf mould
• Container plants benefit from occasional liquid feeding
• Avoid excessive feeding, which can lead to soft growth

Pruning and shaping

• Trim lightly 1–2 times per year to maintain shape
• Ideal for topiary and formal hedging
• Prune in late spring or early summer
• Remove any dead or damaged growth as needed
• Regular clipping encourages dense, compact growth

Mulching

• Apply organic mulch in spring
• Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Improves soil structure over time
• Keep mulch away from the base of the plant

Seasonal Care and Common Issues

With proper care, Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’® will provide year-round structure and a neat, formal appearance.

Seasonal interest

• Evergreen foliage provides year-round colour
• Naturally compact and dense growth habit
• Ideal for shaping into balls, cones, or low hedges
• Maintains structure in all seasons

Winter care

• Fully hardy once established
• Tolerates cold temperatures well
• Container plants may need some protection in severe frost
• Ensure soil is well-drained to prevent winter damage

Common problems

• Yellowing leaves may indicate alkaline soil conditions
• Poor growth can result from dry soil or lack of nutrients
• Root stress may occur in poorly drained soil
• Generally pest-resistant and a good alternative to box (not affected by box blight)
• Leaf scorch may occur in very dry or exposed conditions

Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’® (25cm Ball) is an excellent choice for creating neat, structured planting in the garden. Its dense evergreen foliage and suitability for shaping make it ideal for formal designs, borders, and containers. With the right soil, regular trimming, and consistent care, it will provide long-lasting structure and visual appeal throughout the year

• Size
  25 CM BALL C5

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.