Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® 90-100 CM SPIRAL

Planting and Positioning

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® Spiral is a stunning evergreen shrub shaped into an elegant spiral form, prized for its dense, glossy foliage and neat habit. Perfect as a striking architectural feature in gardens, patios, or formal landscapes.

• Location: Best planted in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a range of light conditions but achieves the best foliage colour and growth in a bright, sheltered spot.

• Soil Preference: Thrives in well-drained, fertile, acidic to neutral soils. It can tolerate some alkalinity but will perform best in slightly acidic conditions.

• Soil Preparation: Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as peat-free compost or well-rotted leaf mould to improve soil texture and moisture retention.

• Planting Hole: Dig a hole approximately twice the width and equal in depth to the root ball to give roots room to expand comfortably.

• Planting Depth: Position the root ball so that the top is level with the soil surface. Avoid planting too deep to prevent collar rot.

• Spacing: When planting multiple spirals or alongside other shrubs, allow adequate space (at least 60-80 cm) to avoid overcrowding and maintain airflow.

• Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets around the roots, which helps establishment.

• Wind Protection: Though hardy, planting in a sheltered spot will protect the spiral from harsh winds, which can cause leaf scorch or damage.

General Care and Maintenance

With its compact growth and glossy evergreen leaves, Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® Spiral requires regular care to maintain its elegant shape and health, especially when grown as a specimen or in containers.

• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first two years while the plant establishes.

• Feeding: Apply a slow-release, acid-loving plant fertilizer in early spring to support healthy, vibrant foliage and steady growth throughout the growing season.

• Mulching: Apply a 5-7 cm layer of mulch such as bark chips or leaf mould around the base of the plant in spring to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality. Keep mulch a few centimetres away from the stem to avoid rot.

• Container Care: When grown in pots, use a high-quality ericaceous (acidic) compost to suit its preference. Water regularly, allowing the topsoil to dry slightly between watering, and feed monthly during the growing season with a liquid fertilizer.

• Pest and Disease Monitoring: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, but keep an eye out for scale insects or leaf spot diseases. Early treatment with horticultural oils or fungicides can prevent spread.

• Cleaning: Remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems to maintain a tidy appearance and reduce risk of disease.

Pruning and Seasonal Care

Maintaining the neat spiral shape and promoting healthy foliage is key to keeping your Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® Spiral looking its best throughout the year.

• Pruning Time: Light pruning can be done in late spring to early summer, after new growth has started. Avoid heavy pruning in late autumn or winter.

• How to Prune: Carefully trim any wayward shoots that disrupt the spiral shape, using sharp, clean shears. Focus on maintaining the clean lines of the spiral without cutting too far back into old wood.

• Shaping Maintenance: Regular, light pruning encourages dense, bushy growth that preserves the sculptural form of the spiral.

• Winter Care: Hardy and frost-tolerant, it generally requires no special winter protection. However, in very exposed or cold areas, mulch the root zone in late autumn to protect from freeze-thaw damage.

• Seasonal Interest: The small, glossy dark green leaves provide year-round visual appeal. Though it rarely flowers, when it does, tiny white blooms appear in late spring, sometimes followed by small black berries in female plants.

• Rejuvenation: If the spiral becomes leggy or sparse, gentle formative pruning in early spring can stimulate new growth and restore density.

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® 90-100 CM Spiral is an elegant and versatile evergreen shrub ideal for adding structure, texture, and year-round greenery to gardens and patios. Its tidy, sculpted form makes it a standout feature in both formal and contemporary landscapes. With attentive care and appropriate placement, this spiral will maintain its beauty and architectural interest for many years

• Size
  90-100 CM SPIRAL 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.