Ilex Crenata Caroline Upright 80/100cm Root Ball

Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright' – 80/100cm Root Ball

A Neat, Evergreen Alternative to Box for Elegant Formal Hedges

Ilex crenata ‘Caroline Upright’ is a refined, slow-growing Japanese holly cultivar prized for its small, glossy leaves and naturally upright, compact habit. At 80–100cm tall and supplied as a root ball, this evergreen is ideal for creating neat, low-maintenance hedging or structural garden features—especially in box blight-prone areas.

Often chosen as a box substitute due to its similar appearance and excellent tolerance of shaping, ‘Caroline Upright’ thrives in a wide range of soils and conditions. Its tight branching and tidy form make it well-suited for formal edging, topiary, or evergreen structure in modern and traditional planting schemes.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New flushes of fresh green foliage emerge, adding density and vibrancy to the plant’s structure.

Summer:
Foliage matures to a deep, glossy green. Tiny, inconspicuous white flowers may appear.

Autumn/Winter:
Retains rich colour and form, offering reliable winter structure with no leaf drop.

Key Features

• Supplied Height: 80–100cm

• Form: Naturally upright and columnar; dense and easily clipped

• Foliage: Small, oval, dark green leaves – box-like in appearance

• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (10–20cm per year)

• Ultimate Height: Up to 2m+ if left untrimmed

• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK

• Root Ball: Field-grown for strong establishment; lift and plant during the dormant season

Ideal For

• Low Formal Hedges: A healthy, blight-free box alternative

• Topiary: Excellent for shaping into cones, balls, or spirals

• Garden Borders: Adds evergreen structure in mixed borders or along paths

• Japanese or Minimalist Designs: Clean lines and compact growth suit modern schemes

• Containers: Performs well in pots with consistent watering and feeding

Planting & Care

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Moist but well-drained; tolerant of most soil types, including acidic

• Watering: Keep well-watered during the first growing season

• Spacing: 30–40cm apart for a dense hedge

• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring

• Pruning: Trim once or twice annually for shape and density; responds well to clipping

Why Choose Ilex crenata ‘Caroline Upright’?

• Resilient box substitute – avoids common issues like box blight and caterpillar

• Neat, evergreen structure all year round

• Easily maintained with minimal pruning

• Highly versatile – from formal edging to container topiary

• Tidy, elegant form even when left untrimmed

Ilex Crenata Caroline Upright 80/100cm Root Ball 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.