Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’® Care Guide

Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’® is a slow-growing, dense evergreen shrub prized for its small, glossy dark-green leaves and neat, compact habit. It is widely used as a low-maintenance alternative to box (Buxus) because it is naturally resistant to box blight and leaf miner. Perfect for hedges, topiary, and container planting, this variety grows reliably in a wide range of conditions and keeps its colour all year. Supplied in a handy 4-pack, these young plants are ideal for creating formal edges, small hedges, or uniform garden displays.

Planting & Position

Getting the right planting conditions will help your Ilex crenata establish quickly and thrive.

• Light requirements:

  • Grows well in full sun or partial shade.

  • Avoid deep, heavy shade for best density and colour.

• Soil:

  • Prefers moist but well-drained, fertile soil.

  • Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal; avoid strongly alkaline soils.

  • Add organic matter or ericaceous compost if your soil is heavy or chalky.

• Planting time:

  • Best planted in spring or autumn when the soil is warm and workable.

  • Water plants thoroughly before planting.

• Spacing:

  • For low hedges, plant 20–30 cm apart for a dense finish.

  • For topiary or individual shrubs, allow at least 40–50 cm space.

• Container planting:

  • Excellent for pots or planters.

  • Use a loam-based compost (John Innes No.3) mixed with some ericaceous compost for pH balance.

Care & Maintenance

Once established, Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’® is hardy, low-maintenance, and easy to shape.

• Watering:

  • Keep soil moist during the first year to help roots establish.

  • Established plants are drought-tolerant but appreciate watering in long dry spells.

  • Potted plants dry out faster — check regularly, especially in summer.

• Feeding:

  • Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser to support healthy growth.

  • Container-grown plants benefit from monthly liquid feeds during the growing season.

• Pruning & shaping:

  • Naturally dense and compact, but responds well to clipping.

  • Trim once or twice a year (late spring and late summer) for neat hedges or topiary.

  • Always use clean, sharp shears for a tidy finish.

• Mulching:

  • Apply mulch (compost, bark, or leaf mould) around the base in spring to conserve moisture and improve soil.

• Pests & diseases:

  • Highly resistant to box blight and leaf miner.

  • Generally trouble-free, though watch for aphids or scale insects on stressed plants.

• Hardiness:

  • Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland, tolerating cold winters and coastal exposure.

Design Uses & Seasonal Interest

‘Ilex crenata’ ‘Dark Green’® is a versatile evergreen perfect for creating structure and formality in gardens.

• Low hedges & borders:

  • Ideal for edging paths, borders, or formal garden beds.

  • Forms a dense, elegant hedge with regular trimming.

• Topiary shapes:

  • Excellent for balls, cones, spirals, or other clipped designs.

  • A long-lasting alternative to box in formal gardens.

• Containers & patios:

  • Perfect in pots to frame doorways, patios, or balconies.

  • Can be paired with seasonal bedding or underplanted with bulbs for added interest.

• Year-round appeal:

  • Glossy evergreen foliage provides colour and structure even in winter.

  • Compact growth habit keeps a neat, polished look all year.

• Easy replacement for box:

  • Naturally resistant to common box problems while maintaining the same elegant style.

In summary: Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’® is a tough, elegant evergreen that makes formal hedges, neat borders, and stylish topiary easy to achieve. Plant in moist, well-drained soil, water while young, feed each spring, and trim once or twice a year for a flawless look. With minimal maintenance and excellent disease resistance, it’s the perfect modern alternative to boxwood for any garden.

• Size
  (9 cm pots)

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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