Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® 40 CM BALL C15

Description and Characteristics

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® is a compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub, prized as a boxwood (Buxus) alternative for its similar appearance and immunity to box blight and box tree moth. In this 40 cm diameter ball form (supplied in a 15-litre container / C15), it is expertly clipped into a formal sphere, ideal for instant landscape impact in gardens, patios, and entrances.

This Japanese holly variety features tiny, glossy, deep green leaves that are closely spaced, forming a dense, tidy structure. It maintains its shape well and grows slowly, making it easy to manage with occasional trimming. While small white flowers may appear in spring, followed by black berries on female plants (if pollinated), the ornamental value lies in its evergreen foliage and formal shape.

• Evergreen shrub with dense, dark green, box-like foliage

• Supplied as a 40 cm diameter ball in a C15 (15-litre) container

• Height: approx. 40–50 cm, easily maintained with light pruning

• Ideal for topiary, formal gardens, containers, or entranceway accents

• Disease- and pest-resistant alternative to Buxus sempervirens

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® is a low-maintenance plant with excellent adaptability. It is best grown in acidic to neutral soil, either in the ground or in containers, and benefits from light annual trimming to maintain its shape.

• Light Requirements:

  • Thrives in full sun to partial shade

  • Foliage remains lush and glossy even in light shade

  • Suitable for sheltered or exposed garden settings

• Soil Preferences:

  • Requires well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil

  • Avoid alkaline (chalky) soils, which may cause leaf yellowing

  • In containers, use peat-free ericaceous compost with added grit

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during establishment and in dry spells

  • In containers, do not let the rootball dry out, especially in hot weather

  • Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot

• Feeding:

  • Feed in spring with an ericaceous or topiary fertiliser

  • Apply a mulch of compost or pine bark to maintain acidity and moisture

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Clip lightly once or twice per year to maintain the spherical shape

  • Use sharp, clean shears for neat trimming

  • Remove any reverted shoots or wayward growths

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 6–9 (RHS H5)

  • Fully evergreen and frost-hardy in UK and Irish climates

  • Protect pots from frost damage with insulating feet or fleece wrapping

Design Uses, Display Tips, and Companion Plants

The 40 cm ball form of Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® adds instant, elegant structure to gardens, courtyards, and terraces. Its formal symmetry and tidy habit make it highly versatile for both modern and classical design schemes.

• Design Applications:

  • Use in pairs to frame entrances, gates, or garden paths

  • Suitable for low parterre-style planting or scattered repetition in borders

  • Ideal for container arrangements on patios or terraces

• Container Display Tips:

  • Plant in frost-proof pots with good drainage

  • Combine with trailing plants, seasonal flowers, or gravel mulch

  • Refresh compost every 2–3 years and trim regularly to maintain shape

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with Camellia, Pieris, Azalea, Heuchera, and Skimmia

  • Contrasts well with silver-leaved plants like Lavandula, Artemisia, or Stachys

  • Complements grasses and low perennials in formal or naturalistic schemes

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Resistant to box blight and box tree moth

  • Rarely affected by pests

  • May show chlorosis (yellowing) in alkaline soil—treat with chelated iron or replant in acidic media

• Size
  40 CM BALL C15

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)

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.