Ilex Crenata Dark Green Ball 15 Litre Pot 40cm

Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’ Ball

For instant elegance in the garden, few plants are as effective as the neatly clipped Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’ Ball. With its dense, small-leaved foliage and perfectly rounded form, this evergreen topiary makes a smart, year-round statement – a contemporary alternative to box (Buxus) that is naturally resistant to the pests and diseases that can trouble traditional box plants.

The glossy, rich green leaves are tiny, neat, and held densely, giving the plant its smooth, tailored finish. Unlike some hollies, there are no spines – just fine-textured foliage that looks good in every season. Grown into a perfectly rounded ball, it brings a touch of structure and formality to the garden, whether standing proudly in pots flanking a doorway, marking the entrance to a path, or adding rhythm and balance within borders.

Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’ is especially prized for its reliability. Hardy and slow-growing, it clips beautifully into shape and holds its form with very little maintenance – usually just a light trim once or twice a year is enough to keep it looking pristine. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and is well-suited to containers as well as open ground, making it one of the most versatile plants for modern and traditional gardens alike.

In design terms, topiary balls are endlessly flexible. They can be used as a single focal point, repeated for symmetry, or grouped in different sizes to create a layered, architectural look. The evergreen foliage also provides the perfect foil for seasonal planting – try underplanting with spring bulbs, summer bedding, or winter heathers to add changing highlights around their steady green presence.

Key features:

• Evergreen topiary ball with dense, glossy foliage

• A healthy, reliable alternative to Buxus (box)

• Hardy, slow-growing, and easy to clip into shape

• Perfect for containers, entrances, and formal planting schemes

• Height & Spread: typically maintained around 40–60cm, depending on pruning