Ilex Crenata Dark Green Ball 7.5 Litre Pot 30cm

Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’ Ball – Box Alternative Topiary with Clean Structure

Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’ Ball is a beautifully clipped evergreen topiary, offering a neat, rounded form with dense, small-leaved foliage. Often used as an alternative to traditional box (Buxus), it provides the same crisp, formal appearance with excellent resilience and year-round structure.

The rich, dark green leaves create a smooth, uniform surface that responds well to shaping, maintaining its tidy ball form with minimal effort. Its naturally compact growth makes it ideal for structured planting schemes, where clean lines and repetition are key.

Perfect for containers, patios, and formal borders, it can be used individually as a focal point or in pairs to frame entrances and pathways. Repeated planting along a line creates a strong visual rhythm, adding order and elegance to the garden.

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 trimming to maintain its precise shape.

Smart, versatile, and effortlessly structured, this evergreen topiary is an excellent choice for bringing year-round form and balance to both traditional and contemporary garden designs.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring: Fresh dark green growth maintains shape.
Summer: Dense, uniform foliage provides structure.
Autumn: Evergreen form continues to define spaces.
Winter: Clean architectural shape remains strong.

Key Features

Topiary form – Neatly clipped ball shape.
Box alternative – Resistant and reliable.
Evergreen foliage – Year-round structure.
Dense growth – Smooth, uniform finish.
Low maintenance – Easy to keep in shape.

Perfect For

Formal gardens – Clean, structured planting.
Containers – Ideal for patios and entrances.
Pathways – Repetition for visual impact.
Framing – Doorways and garden features.
Small gardens – Compact and controlled.

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.