Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' Ball

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'

2L pot • Ball form • Supplied approximately 30cm tall

Plant Highlights: Neatly clipped evergreen ball • Small glossy deep green foliage • Excellent alternative to box • Year-round structure • Ideal for containers and formal planting

Overview

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' is a compact evergreen shrub with small, glossy deep green leaves, expertly clipped into a classic ball topiary. Its naturally dense branching creates a crisp, formal appearance, making it an excellent choice for adding year-round structure to entrances, patios and garden borders.

Often selected as an alternative to traditional box, this Japanese holly responds well to clipping and maintains a neat, rounded shape with minimal maintenance. Its evergreen foliage provides lasting colour and texture throughout the seasons, whether displayed in decorative pots or planted in formal garden schemes.

Why We Love It

• Professionally clipped ball form provides instant architectural interest.
• Fine evergreen foliage remains attractive throughout the year.
• Naturally dense growth is easy to maintain.
• Excellent alternative to traditional box topiary.
• Perfect for containers, borders and entranceways.

Plant Details

Growing Guide

Position

Plant in full sun or partial shade. It performs well in borders, courtyards and decorative containers.

Watering

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a healthy root system. Once established, water during prolonged dry spells, especially for container-grown plants.

Soil

Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid sites that remain waterlogged during winter.

Hardiness and Winter Care

Fully hardy in Ireland. Apply an organic mulch around the base in spring to help retain moisture and improve soil structure, keeping it clear of the stem.

Routine Care

Trim once or twice during the growing season to maintain the crisp ball shape. Remove any shoots extending beyond the outline to preserve the formal appearance.

Perfect For

• Formal gardens.
• Patio pots and decorative containers.
• Entranceways and pathways.
• Low evergreen borders.
• Contemporary and traditional planting schemes.

Good to Know

The supplied height of approximately 30cm refers to the plant at the time of sale and not its mature size. Regular light trimming will keep the topiary dense and neatly rounded.

Product Information

• Botanical name: Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'
• Trained as a ball topiary.
• Supplied in a 2L nursery pot.
• Supplied approximately 30cm tall.