Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’® (50cm Stem) – Elegant Evergreen with a Refined Form

The Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’®, often known as Japanese Holly, is a refined evergreen shrub prized for its dense foliage, compact growth, and excellent suitability for topiary. Supplied here as a trained 50cm stem standard, it is ready to make an instant impact in gardens, patios, or entrances. Its small, glossy, dark green leaves resemble those of boxwood (Buxus), but it is more resistant to common box problems such as blight and caterpillar damage.

The neatly clipped ball atop a slender stem gives a stylish and formal appearance, making it ideal for framing doorways, lining pathways, or adding structure to terraces and patios. Long-lived, hardy, and low-maintenance, this plant is as practical as it is elegant.

General Information

Native to East Asia, Ilex crenata is a slow-growing holly species that has become increasingly popular as a boxwood alternative. The ‘Dark Green’® cultivar is especially valued for its rich leaf colour and tidy, upright growth.

• Habit: Evergreen shrub, trained here into a 50cm standard stem with a rounded topiary ball.

• Height & spread: Ultimately reaches 1–1.5m tall as a standard; crown width approx. 40–50cm.

• Foliage: Small, glossy, oval leaves in deep green, providing a dense and tidy appearance.

• Flowers: Tiny white flowers in late spring, though not particularly ornamental.

• Berries: May produce small black berries, though fruiting is rare in clipped specimens.

• Position: Best in full sun to partial shade; avoids deep shade.

• Soil: Moist but well-drained, acidic to neutral soil; dislikes very chalky conditions.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland.

• Uses: Ideal for topiary, formal gardens, containers, and as a smart alternative to boxwood.

Its glossy foliage and sculptural form make it suitable for both modern and traditional garden settings.

Care Guide

Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’® is hardy and low-maintenance, requiring just light care to keep its topiary form looking perfect.

Planting

• When to plant: Best in spring or autumn, though container plants can be placed at any time.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot; allow space for the crown to develop neatly.

• Containers: Excellent in large pots; use ericaceous or neutral compost with added grit for drainage.

Watering & Feeding

• Keep soil evenly moist, particularly in the first year.

• Container plants may need regular watering in summer, but avoid waterlogging.

• Feed in spring with a slow-release fertiliser to encourage healthy foliage.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Clip lightly 1–2 times per year (spring and late summer) to maintain the neat ball shape.

• Use clean, sharp shears for the best finish.

• Remove any damaged or stray shoots promptly.

• Refresh compost in pots every 2–3 years and repot when necessary.

Protection

• Fully hardy and tolerant of frost.

• Shelter from very strong, drying winds which can scorch leaves.

• Pest- and disease-resistant, with none of the issues that affect boxwood.

Why Choose Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’® (50cm Stem)?

This stylish evergreen offers beauty, structure, and resilience.

• Elegant form: Ready-trained 50cm stem standard with a neat, rounded crown.

• Boxwood alternative: Small glossy leaves with no risk of box blight or caterpillar attack.

• Low-maintenance: Needs only light clipping to keep its shape.

• Year-round appeal: Dense evergreen foliage provides lasting structure and colour.

• Versatile use: Perfect for containers, entrances, patios, or formal garden displays.

The Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’® (50cm Stem) is the perfect choice for gardeners who want a stylish, low-maintenance evergreen that adds instant sophistication. Whether framing a doorway, decorating a terrace, or bringing structure to a formal garden, it delivers elegance and reliability all year round.

• Size
  50 CM STEM C12

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.