Ilex crenata Caroline Cone – Neat Evergreen Structure with a Formal Edge (10 Litre Pot, 70–80cm Tall)
Ilex crenata Caroline Cone is a compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub prized for its dense, glossy green foliage and tidy, vertical habit. Supplied in a 10 litre pot at 70–80cm tall, this cone-shaped specimen is ideal for adding structure, symmetry, and year-round interest to formal borders, container displays, or entranceways. With its small, box-like leaves and naturally clipped look, it's an excellent alternative to box (Buxus), especially in areas affected by box blight.
This low-maintenance Japanese holly thrives in a wide range of soil types, responds well to shaping, and holds its form beautifully through the seasons. Whether used in pairs flanking a doorway or as part of a topiary display, Caroline Cone delivers refined style and reliability.
Key Features
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Foliage: Tiny, dark green leaves with a neat, box-like appearance
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Form: Naturally upright and narrow, easily shaped into cones or columns
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Growth Habit: Slow-growing and compact, ideal for low hedges or topiary
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Evergreen: Maintains colour and structure year-round
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ – softens the form with fragrant purple blooms
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Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ – provides rich colour contrast at the base
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Hydrangea paniculata ‘Little Lime’ – pairs beautifully in containers or formal beds
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Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’ – for height and evergreen interest in classic schemes
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Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ – adds spring drama to the base of clipped forms
Ideal For
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Topiary and clipped hedges
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Container planting for patios or doorways
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Formal gardens and structured borders
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Low-allergen and low-maintenance designs
Growing Conditions
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Position: Full sun to partial shade
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Soil: Moist but well-drained, neutral to acidic preferred
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Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK
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Maintenance: Trim lightly in late spring or early summer to maintain shape
Why Choose Ilex crenata Caroline Cone (10L Pot)?
- Perfect alternative to Buxus with no box blight risk
- Neat and elegant structure for containers or borders
- Fully hardy and easy to shape
- Provides evergreen interest in all seasons
Ilex crenata Caroline Cone is a smart and dependable choice for creating stylish evergreen structure in both modern and traditional gardens. Whether planted alone or as part of a formal display, it brings enduring form, foliage, and finesse.
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.