Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'®S- shape

Description and Characteristics

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® is a refined, compact Japanese holly cultivar, selected for its dense, boxwood-like foliage, uniform growth, and excellent tolerance to clipping. The S-shape form refers to its expertly trained, sculptural silhouette—an elegant, flowing topiary ideal for instant impact in formal gardens, patios, or entryways.

The foliage consists of tiny, glossy, dark green leaves that resemble box (Buxus sempervirens) but with enhanced resistance to box blight and box tree moth, making it a top choice for clipped shapes and evergreen structure. It maintains its colour year-round and holds tight form with minimal pruning.

This S-shaped specimen typically stands at around 100–160 cm tall (depending on size grade) and is ideal for container growing, statement planting, or structured symmetry in modern and traditional designs. While it may produce small white flowers in late spring and tiny black berries if female and pollinated, its primary value lies in its foliage and form.

• Evergreen, trained into elegant S-shaped topiary

• Dense, dark green boxwood-like foliage

• Typically 1–1.6 m tall depending on training

• Perfect for containers, courtyards, entrances, or formal designs

• Excellent Buxus alternative: better disease and pest resistance

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® in S-shape form is low-maintenance but benefits from consistent growing conditions to preserve its shape and foliage colour. It's particularly suited for mild, sheltered gardens or containers in semi-shaded courtyards.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun to partial shade

  • Grows best with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily

  • Tolerates shade better than most topiary species

• Soil Preferences:

  • Requires moist but well-drained soil

  • Thrives in acidic to neutral pH; avoid alkaline/chalky soil

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

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly until well established

  • In containers, ensure even moisture—avoid letting it dry out completely

  • Reduce watering in winter, but never allow root ball to become fully dry

• Feeding:

  • Feed in early spring with an ericaceous or topiary fertiliser

  • Reapply light feed mid-summer if in containers

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Trim 2–3 times per year to maintain the S-shape

  • Use sharp shears to clip lightly and evenly

  • Remove any new shoots that disrupt the outline of the form

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 6–9 (RHS H5–H6)

  • Fully hardy in most UK and Irish gardens

  • For pots, protect root zone with fleece or mulch during deep freezes

  • Shelter from cold drying winds, especially in exposed locations

Design Features, Display Use, and Garden Companions

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'® (S-shape) is ideal for symmetry, structure, and formality in garden design. Its deep green foliage and flowing shape offer year-round elegance and architectural interest.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent for framing entrances, garden gates, or pathways

  • Use in pairs or rows for formal symmetry

  • Perfect for Japanese gardens, courtyard plantings, or urban patios

• Container Display Tips:

  • Use classic terracotta or modern matte planters to highlight the shape

  • Layer with low trailing plants like ivy or seasonal colour for contrast

  • Refresh topsoil and feed each spring

• Companion Plants:

  • Combine with Camellia, Azalea, Heuchera, or Ferns in acidic soil beds

  • Use alongside Lavandula, Buxus globes, or ornamental grasses for contrast

  • Ground-layer planting with Ajuga, Thymus, or Festuca glauca works well

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Highly resistant to box blight and box moth

  • Low susceptibility to pests

  • May show chlorosis in alkaline soils—correct with iron supplements or replant in acidic media

• Size
  S- shape 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.