About this product

Ilex crenata 'Jenny' 6-Pack

Ilex crenata 'Jenny'

Confirmed format: 6-pack

Plant Highlights

• Dense evergreen foliage all year round

• Excellent alternative to box (Buxus)

• Naturally compact, bushy growth

• Ideal for low hedging and formal borders

• Suitable for full sun or partial shade

Overview

Ilex crenata 'Jenny' is a compact evergreen shrub grown for its neat, finely textured foliage and naturally dense branching habit. Its small, glossy dark green leaves resemble box but are smooth rather than spiny, giving a refined appearance that suits both formal and contemporary garden designs. Small white flowers may appear in late spring, although the evergreen foliage is its principal ornamental feature.

Supplied as a convenient 6-pack, these young plants are ideal for establishing low evergreen hedging, defining borders or creating repeated planting throughout the garden. With regular clipping they develop into a dense, uniform hedge while remaining attractive throughout the year. 'Jenny' is also valued as a reliable replacement for box in many formal planting schemes.

Why We Love It

• Creates a smart evergreen hedge with year-round structure.

• Naturally dense habit responds well to regular clipping.

• Fine-textured foliage provides a refined, formal appearance.

• Suitable for planting in groups to create uniform planting schemes.

• Slow to moderate growth makes ongoing maintenance straightforward.

Plant Details

Growing Guide

Position

Plant in full sun or partial shade. It is well suited to formal borders, low hedging and structured planting where its dense growth can be appreciated.

Watering

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, plants usually require additional watering only during prolonged dry periods, although container-grown plants will need more frequent attention.

Soil

Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Neutral to slightly acidic soils produce the best results. Avoid prolonged winter waterlogging and strongly alkaline soils where possible.

Hardiness and Winter Care

This evergreen shrub is well suited to Irish gardens. Apply a mulch around newly planted specimens to help retain moisture, and ensure good drainage during wet winters. Young plants benefit from regular watering until fully established.

Routine Care

Trim once or twice during the growing season to maintain a dense, tidy shape. Feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser to encourage healthy new growth and remove any damaged shoots as required.

Perfect For

• Creating low evergreen hedges.

• Formal knot gardens and parterre planting.

• Defining paths and borders.

• Mass planting for year-round structure.

• Contemporary and traditional garden designs.

Good to Know

'Jenny' is a male selection of Ilex crenata and does not produce berries. It is grown primarily for its attractive evergreen foliage and excellent response to clipping, making it a popular alternative where the appearance of box is desired.

Product Information

• Botanical identity: Ilex crenata 'Jenny'

• Supplied as a 6-pack of young plants.