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About this product
Ilex crenata 'Kinme' Spiral
Ilex crenata 'Kinme'
18L pot • Spiral form • Supplied approximately 110cm tall
Plant Highlights: Elegant spiral topiary • Small glossy evergreen leaves • Excellent alternative to box • Low-maintenance architectural feature • Ideal for containers and formal gardens
Overview
Ilex crenata 'Kinme' is a refined evergreen shrub with small, glossy deep green leaves, expertly trained into an elegant spiral topiary. Its naturally dense branching and fine foliage allow it to maintain crisp, sculptural lines, making it a striking year-round focal point for entrances, patios and formal planting schemes.
This Japanese holly is an excellent choice where the classic appearance of box is desired. The carefully clipped spiral form adds height and structure to gardens while remaining compact and easy to maintain with occasional trimming.
Why We Love It
- Professionally trained spiral creates instant architectural interest.
- Fine evergreen foliage provides year-round colour and structure.
- Naturally dense growth responds well to clipping.
- Excellent for formal gardens, patios and entranceways.
- A superb evergreen alternative to traditional box planting.
Plant Details
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Ilex crenata 'Kinme' |
| Common Name | Japanese Holly Spiral |
| Plant Type | Evergreen shrub trained as spiral topiary |
| Foliage | Small, glossy deep green evergreen leaves |
| Flower | Small white flowers on mature plants, followed occasionally by black berries on female plants if pollinated |
| Flowering Period | Late spring |
| Growth Habit | Dense spiral topiary on a clear stem |
| Position | Full sun or partial shade |
| Soil | Fertile, moist but well-drained soil; prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions |
| Mature Height | Overall height is largely determined by the trained stem, with new growth maintained through regular clipping |
| Mature Spread | Approximately 40–60cm, depending on pruning |
| Hardiness | Hardy in Irish gardens. Best grown in well-drained soil and protected from prolonged waterlogging. |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
Growing Guide
Position
Plant in full sun or partial shade. It thrives in sheltered or moderately exposed positions and is well suited to patios, courtyards and formal borders.
Watering
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a healthy root system. Once established, water during prolonged dry periods, especially if grown in containers where compost dries more quickly.
Soil
Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Avoid prolonged waterlogging, particularly during winter, and improve heavy soils with organic matter before planting.
Hardiness and Winter Care
Hardy throughout Ireland. Apply a mulch around the base after planting to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, taking care to keep mulch clear of the stem.
Routine Care
Trim lightly once or twice during the growing season to maintain the crisp spiral shape. Remove any shoots developing from the stem or base of the plant to preserve the trained form.
Perfect For
- Formal gardens.
- Entranceways and doorways.
- Patio pots and statement containers.
- Courtyard gardens.
- Architectural and contemporary planting schemes.
Good to Know
The supplied height of approximately 110cm refers to the overall height at the time of sale. Regular light clipping will maintain the distinctive spiral shape and encourage dense, healthy growth.
Product Information
- Botanical name: Ilex crenata 'Kinme'
- Trained as a spiral topiary.
- Supplied in an 18L nursery pot.
- Supplied approximately 110cm tall.
Growing & care
- Plant type
- shrub
- Position & light
- Full sun· Partial shade· Sheltered
- Watering
- moderate
- Soil & drainage
- Acidic· Well drained· Moist
- Mature size
- 1.1m high· 60cm wide
- Flowering
- Late spring· White
- Foliage
- evergreen
Useful to know
Good for containers
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