Ilex crenata 'Stokes' Pyramid

Description and Characteristics

Ilex crenata 'Stokes' in pyramid form is a stylish, evergreen architectural shrub renowned for its dense foliage, tight, formal habit, and ease of shaping. A cultivated form of Japanese holly, ‘Stokes’ offers a neat, compact alternative to Buxus (boxwood) with greater resistance to pests and diseases, including box blight and box tree moth.

The foliage is composed of tiny, oval, dark green glossy leaves, very similar in appearance to box, but finer in texture. The pyramidal topiary shape is achieved through skilled pruning, creating a tall, tapering form ideal for framing entrances, lining formal walkways, or serving as statement plants in containers.

Although it may produce small white flowers in late spring and black berries (on female plants), ‘Stokes’ is primarily chosen for its evergreen foliage and sculptural quality.

• Dense evergreen with fine, glossy dark green foliage

• Expertly trained into a formal pyramid (conical) shape

• Grows to approx. 1–1.5 m tall, depending on age and trimming

• Outstanding alternative to boxwood for formal and contemporary gardens

• Excellent choice for low-maintenance structure and year-round greenery

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is adaptable, hardy, and particularly well-suited for use in topiary, where its dense, slow growth and responsiveness to pruning make it easy to maintain with little effort.

• Light Requirements:

  • Grows best in full sun to partial shade

  • Foliage remains rich and glossy in both sun and light shade

  • Tolerates shade better than many other evergreens

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers moist but well-drained soil

  • Requires acidic to neutral pH—avoid limey or chalky soils

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

• Watering Needs:

  • Keep evenly moist during the first season

  • Once established, moderately drought-tolerant

  • In containers, water consistently and never allow to fully dry out

• Feeding:

  • Feed annually in spring with an ericaceous or topiary fertiliser

  • For potted plants, feed again mid-summer to support growth

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Prune 2–3 times per year to maintain the pyramid shape

  • Use sharp hand shears for clean, even trimming

  • Remove any shoots that disrupt the shape or revert to irregular growth

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 6–9 (RHS H5–H6)

  • Withstands typical UK and Irish winters without damage

  • In exposed or container settings, mulch base or insulate pot in severe frost

Garden Uses, Display Value, and Companion Planting

The pyramid form of Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is a striking design element, perfect for adding vertical interest and evergreen structure to both classic and modern planting schemes. It’s a favourite for formal gardens, courtyards, and container arrangements.

• Design Applications:

  • Use in pairs to frame doorways, gates, or patios

  • Excellent for parterre gardens, gravel gardens, or symmetrical layouts

  • Works beautifully in Japanese gardens, minimalist designs, or urban courtyards

• Container Use:

  • Ideal for planters and pots—especially in formal or paved areas

  • Choose tall, narrow pots to echo the upright shape

  • Refresh compost annually and feed to maintain lush growth

• Companion Plants:

  • Complements Camellia, Pieris, Rhododendron, and Azalea in acidic beds

  • Contrasts well with silver foliage (e.g., Artemisia, Lavandula)

  • Ground-layer ideas: Thymus, Heuchera, Ajuga, or low Ferns

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Resistant to box blight and box tree moth

  • Rarely troubled by pests

  • Chlorosis (yellowing leaves) may occur in alkaline soils—correct with iron or replant in acidic media

• Size
  C2, cone

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)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.