Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® – Planting & Care Guide

About Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'®

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'®, commonly known as Japanese Holly, is a compact, dense, evergreen shrub prized for its small, glossy, deep green leaves and naturally tidy growth habit. Often used as an excellent alternative to Box (Buxus), it provides year-round structure and is ideal for hedging, topiary, borders and containers.

Growing to approximately 1.5–2 metres tall with a spread of 1–1.5 metres if left unclipped, 'Dark Green'® responds exceptionally well to pruning and can easily be maintained as a formal hedge, low border or decorative topiary. Its attractive evergreen foliage provides a refined appearance throughout every season, making it a favourite for both traditional and contemporary gardens.

Planting Guide

• Plant in full sun, partial shade or light shade.
• Prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil.
• Suitable for loam, sandy and clay soils with good drainage.
• Incorporate compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting to improve soil structure.
• Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
• Position the root ball level with the surrounding soil surface.
• Backfill with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly.
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Space plants 30–40cm apart for low hedging or 80–120cm apart when grown as individual specimens.

Care & Maintenance

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® is an easy-care shrub that requires very little maintenance.

• Water regularly during the first growing season.
• Once established, water during prolonged dry spells.
• Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
• Apply fresh mulch each spring to conserve moisture and improve soil fertility.
• Keep the area around the base free from weeds.
• Container-grown plants will require more regular watering, particularly during warm weather.
• Avoid prolonged waterlogging.

Pruning

This variety responds exceptionally well to trimming.

• Trim once or twice each year to maintain the desired shape.
• The best times to prune are late spring and late summer.
• Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches as required.
• Use sharp hedge shears or secateurs for clean cuts.
• Avoid heavy pruning into old wood.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'®
• Common Name: Japanese Holly
• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
• Mature Height: 1.5–2 metres
• Spread: 1–1.5 metres
• Foliage: Small, glossy, dark green evergreen leaves
• Flower Colour: Small white flowers (inconspicuous)
• Flowering Period: Late spring
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout Ireland and the UK

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® is perfect for creating elegant year-round structure.

• Formal hedging
• Low evergreen borders
• Topiary
• Patio containers
• Courtyard gardens
• Contemporary gardens
• Cottage gardens
• Knot gardens
• Entranceways
• Foundation planting

It combines beautifully with Lavender, Skimmia, Hebe, Heuchera, Hydrangeas, ornamental grasses and seasonal bedding plants.

Seasonal Interest

• Dense, glossy evergreen foliage provides year-round colour.
• Fresh green new growth appears in spring before maturing to deep green.
• Small white flowers may appear in late spring, although they are usually inconspicuous.
• The naturally compact habit maintains an attractive appearance throughout the year.
• Excellent as a permanent structural feature in formal or informal gardens.

Common Problems

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® is generally healthy and reliable.

• Root rot can occur in poorly drained or waterlogged soils.
• Vine weevil may occasionally affect container-grown plants.
• Scale insects can sometimes appear on stems or foliage.
• Leaf scorch may occur during prolonged drought if plants are not watered.
• Good drainage, regular watering during dry periods and light annual pruning will help keep plants healthy and vigorous.

With its dense evergreen foliage, neat growth habit and excellent response to pruning, Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® is a superb alternative to traditional Box. Ideal for hedging, topiary, borders and containers, it offers year-round structure with minimal maintenance, making it an outstanding choice for Irish gardens of every style.

• Size
  P14

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

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All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via DPD 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.
 

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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.
 

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