Ilex Crenata Stoke's Ball 40cm 12 Litre Pot

Ilex crenata ‘Stokes’ Ball – Refined Evergreen Topiary for Clean Structure

Ilex crenata ‘Stokes’ Ball’ is a neatly clipped evergreen topiary, offering a precise, rounded form with fine, dense foliage. A popular alternative to traditional box (Buxus), it delivers the same structured appearance while being more resilient and reliable in modern planting schemes.

The small, glossy green leaves create a smooth, compact surface that holds its shape well, making it ideal for formal designs where clean lines and symmetry are important. Its naturally tight growth allows it to maintain a crisp outline with minimal trimming.

Perfect for containers, patios, and formal borders, it works beautifully as a standalone feature or used in pairs to frame entrances and pathways. Repetition along borders or within parterre planting creates a strong sense of rhythm and order.

Thriving in sun or partial shade, Ilex crenata prefers well-drained soil and benefits from a sheltered position. Hardy and low maintenance, it requires only occasional clipping to retain its shape.

Smart, structured, and versatile, ‘Stokes’ Ball’ is an excellent choice for adding year-round form and refinement to both contemporary and traditional gardens.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring: Fresh growth maintains dense, green form.
Summer: Strong, uniform structure.
Autumn: Evergreen shape continues to define spaces.
Winter: Crisp, architectural form remains intact.

Key Features

Topiary form – Neat, rounded ball shape.
Box alternative – Reliable and resilient.
Dense foliage – Fine, compact growth.
Evergreen – Year-round structure.
Low maintenance – Minimal trimming required.

Perfect For

Formal gardens – Clean, structured planting.
Containers – Ideal for patios and entrances.
Pathways – Repetition for visual impact.
Framing – Doorways and focal points.
Small gardens – Compact and manageable.

Growing Tips

Sun/Position: Sun or partial shade.
Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK.
Care: Trim lightly once or twice a year to maintain shape.

Looks Great With

Lavender – Soft contrast beneath.
Grasses – Adds movement around structure.
Topiary mixes – Combine with cones and spirals.
Evergreens – Layered formal planting.
Seasonal bedding – Adds colour at the base.

Ilex Crenata Stoke's Ball 40cm 12 Litre Pot Grasslands Nursery Winter Hardy Average Rate Of Growth Evergreen

Does the height include the pot?

No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description

How long does delivery take?

Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.

Where will you leave my plants?

We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.