Ilex crenata 'Stokes' 40 CM BALL

Ilex crenata 'Stokes' 40 cm Ball: A Comprehensive Care Guide

The Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is an elegant and versatile evergreen shrub, commonly known for its lush, glossy foliage and dense, rounded form. Ideal for creating structured garden designs, this shrub provides year-round interest and can be used in various landscaping applications, including hedges, topiary, and container planting. To maintain its pristine appearance and health, proper care and attention are essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about caring for your Ilex crenata 'Stokes' 40 cm ball.

Key Features of Ilex crenata 'Stokes'

• Height: Approximately 40 cm (16 inches)
• Spread: Approximately 40 cm (16 inches)

Ideal Growing Conditions for Ilex crenata 'Stokes'

To ensure your Ilex crenata 'Stokes' thrives and maintains its beautiful, compact form, it’s important to replicate its natural growing conditions as closely as possible. This plant is adaptable but performs best in specific environmental settings.

Light Requirements

The Ilex crenata 'Stokes' prefers moderate to full sunlight conditions, which supports its dense foliage and vibrant green color.

• Optimal Light: Provide partial to full sunlight, ideally 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate light shade but may become leggy and less dense in low-light conditions.
• Avoid: Prolonged periods of deep shade or overly harsh sunlight, which can cause stress to the plant and affect its overall health and appearance.

Soil and Watering

Correct soil and watering practices are crucial for maintaining the health of your Ilex crenata 'Stokes.' This plant prefers well-draining soil and consistent moisture.

• Soil: Plant in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). A mix of garden soil and organic matter, such as compost, is ideal. Avoid heavy clay soils or areas where water tends to pool.
• Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. During dry periods or in hot weather, increase watering frequency to prevent stress. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Temperature and Humidity

Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is known for its adaptability to various temperature ranges, making it suitable for different climates. However, maintaining the right conditions will ensure optimal growth and health.

• Temperature: This shrub is hardy in USDA zones 6-8 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F). It is best suited to temperate climates with mild winters. Protect from extreme cold or harsh winds by providing winter mulch or covering the plant if necessary.
• Humidity: Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is adaptable to various humidity levels but thrives in moderate humidity. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal issues and maintain healthy foliage.

Fertilization and Pruning

Regular fertilization and pruning are key to maintaining the shape and health of your Ilex crenata 'Stokes.'

• Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. A formulation such as 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 can be beneficial. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can lead to excessive growth or foliage issues. Reapply as needed based on the product instructions.
• Pruning: Prune annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to maintain the desired shape and size. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to promote a dense, uniform growth habit. For topiary or formal hedges, regular shaping may be necessary throughout the growing season.

Common Issues and Solutions

Being aware of potential issues and their solutions will help you keep your Ilex crenata 'Stokes' healthy and thriving.

• Pests: Watch for common pests such as spider mites, scale insects, and aphids. Treat infestations with appropriate insecticides or insecticidal soap. Regularly inspect the plant and remove any pests promptly.
• Diseases: Fungal diseases such as leaf spot or powdery mildew can occur. Ensure proper air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected leaves to prevent the spread of disease. Applying a fungicide may be necessary in severe cases.

Seasonal Care Tips

Adjust your care routine according to the seasons to ensure your Ilex crenata 'Stokes' remains healthy and vibrant year-round.

• Spring and Summer: Increase watering and monitor for pests and diseases. Fertilize in early spring as new growth begins and prune as needed to maintain shape.
• Fall and Winter: Reduce watering frequency as growth slows down. Apply mulch around the base to protect roots from freezing temperatures. Avoid heavy pruning during the dormant period to prevent stress on the plant.

Conclusion

The Ilex crenata 'Stokes' 40 cm ball is a superb choice for adding structure and beauty to your garden. By providing the right growing conditions, regular maintenance, and attentive care, you can ensure that this shrub remains a stunning feature in your landscape. Its adaptability and resilience make it a valuable addition to various garden designs, from formal topiaries to informal hedges. Embrace the care of this elegant evergreen and enjoy its enduring charm throughout the seasons

• Size
  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.