Ilex crenata 'Jenny'® 30 CM BALL

Planting Your Ilex crenata ‘Jenny’® 

Ilex crenata ‘Jenny’® is a compact evergreen shrub with small, glossy leaves and dense branching. Shaped into a 30 cm ball, it creates a formal feature beside entrances, along pathways, in borders or in matching containers. Often used as an alternative to box, Japanese holly responds well to regular clipping and can retain its neat appearance throughout the year.

• Choose a position in full sun or partial shade. Light shade is suitable, although very deep shade may result in thinner, less compact growth.
• Select a sheltered location protected from severe frost, cold drying winds and intense reflected heat. Container plants are particularly vulnerable during extreme weather.
• Plant in moist but well-drained soil. Ilex crenata prefers neutral to acidic conditions and may struggle in strongly alkaline or chalky ground.
• Improve heavy soil with organic matter and suitable drainage material. Avoid planting in areas where water collects after rain, as persistently wet roots may rot.
• Before planting, water the root ball thoroughly. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the root system but no deeper than its existing depth.
• Position the plant with the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil. Backfill carefully, firm gently and water generously to settle the roots.
• Apply a 5–7 cm layer of composted bark or leaf mould around the planting area. Keep mulch away from direct contact with the stem.
• For container planting, use a frost-resistant pot with drainage holes. Choose ericaceous or neutral, free-draining compost and ensure the container is sufficiently heavy to keep the topiary stable.

Watering, Feeding and Seasonal Care

Reliable moisture is essential while the plant establishes and remains important for specimens grown in containers. The soil should stay moderately moist without becoming saturated.

• Check newly planted topiary regularly, especially throughout its first growing season. Water deeply when the upper layer of soil begins to feel dry.
• Increase watering during hot, windy or rainless conditions. A dense ball of foliage can shed some rainfall away from the root area, so always check the soil directly.
• Container-grown plants may require frequent watering in summer. Water until excess moisture drains from the base, then empty the saucer or decorative outer pot.
• Reduce watering during winter, but do not allow the root ball to dry out completely. Evergreen foliage continues to lose moisture even in cool weather.
• Use collected rainwater where possible, particularly in hard-water areas. Repeated use of alkaline tap water may gradually raise the compost’s pH.
• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring. Use a feed formulated for acid-loving evergreen shrubs if the foliage becomes pale because of unsuitable soil conditions.
• Renew the mulch annually to conserve moisture, suppress weeds and support healthy soil. Remove competing weeds carefully without damaging shallow roots.
• Protect the container during prolonged freezing weather by moving it to a sheltered position or insulating the pot. Raise it on feet so winter rain can drain freely.

Pruning and Maintaining the Ball Shape

Ilex crenata ‘Jenny’® grows naturally into dense, compact foliage and responds well to trimming. Light, regular pruning will preserve the rounded form more successfully than occasional severe cutting.

• Give the ball its main trim in late spring or early summer, once the danger of hard frost has passed and fresh growth is visible.
• Carry out a second light trim in late summer if needed. Avoid pruning late in autumn because new growth may be damaged by frost.
• Use clean, sharp topiary shears or secateurs. Begin at the top, follow the established curve and work evenly around the sides.
• Step back frequently and examine the plant from several directions. Removing small amounts at a time helps prevent flat areas or an uneven outline.
• Cut out dead, damaged, diseased or crossing shoots whenever they appear. Remove affected material promptly and clean tools after working on unhealthy growth.
• Rotate container-grown specimens regularly so every side receives similar light. This encourages even foliage density and maintains a balanced ball.
• Inspect the plant for scale insects, spider mites and leaf-mining pests. Good airflow and appropriate watering will reduce stress and improve resilience.
• Yellowing leaves may indicate waterlogging, drought, alkaline soil or nutrient deficiency. Examine the compost, drainage and soil pH before adding fertiliser.
• With suitable soil, consistent moisture and careful trimming, this 30 cm topiary ball will provide dependable evergreen colour and strong formal structure for many seasons

• Size
  30 CM BALL C7.5

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
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

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.
 

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)

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