{"product_id":"ilex-crenata-dark-green-ball-7-5-litre-pot-30cm","title":"Ilex Crenata Dark Green Ball 7.5 Litre Pot 30cm","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"360\" data-end=\"441\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"360\" data-end=\"441\"\u003eIlex crenata ‘Dark Green’ Ball – Box Alternative Topiary with Clean Structure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"443\" data-end=\"736\"\u003eIlex 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"738\" data-end=\"1000\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1002\" data-end=\"1247\"\u003ePerfect 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1249\" data-end=\"1456\"\u003eThriving 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1458\" data-end=\"1644\"\u003eSmart, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr data-start=\"1646\" data-end=\"1649\"\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1651\" data-end=\"1674\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1651\" data-end=\"1674\"\u003eSeasonal Highlights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1676\" data-end=\"1882\"\u003eSpring: Fresh dark green growth maintains shape.\u003cbr data-start=\"1724\" data-end=\"1727\"\u003eSummer: Dense, uniform foliage provides structure.\u003cbr data-start=\"1777\" data-end=\"1780\"\u003eAutumn: Evergreen form continues to define spaces.\u003cbr data-start=\"1830\" data-end=\"1833\"\u003eWinter: Clean architectural shape remains strong.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr data-start=\"1884\" data-end=\"1887\"\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1889\" data-end=\"1905\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1889\" data-end=\"1905\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"1907\" data-end=\"2120\"\u003eTopiary form – Neatly clipped ball shape.\u003cbr data-start=\"1948\" data-end=\"1951\"\u003eBox alternative – Resistant and reliable.\u003cbr data-start=\"1992\" data-end=\"1995\"\u003eEvergreen foliage – Year-round structure.\u003cbr data-start=\"2036\" data-end=\"2039\"\u003eDense growth – Smooth, uniform finish.\u003cbr data-start=\"2077\" data-end=\"2080\"\u003eLow maintenance – Easy to keep in shape.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr data-start=\"2122\" data-end=\"2125\"\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"2127\" data-end=\"2142\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2127\" data-end=\"2142\"\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"2144\" data-end=\"2362\"\u003eFormal gardens – Clean, structured planting.\u003cbr data-start=\"2188\" data-end=\"2191\"\u003eContainers – Ideal for patios and entrances.\u003cbr data-start=\"2235\" data-end=\"2238\"\u003ePathways – Repetition for visual impact.\u003cbr data-start=\"2278\" data-end=\"2281\"\u003eFraming – Doorways and garden features.\u003cbr data-start=\"2320\" data-end=\"2323\"\u003eSmall gardens – Compact and controlled.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr data-start=\"2364\" data-end=\"2367\"\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"2369\" data-end=\"2385\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2369\" data-end=\"2385\"\u003eGrowing Tips\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"2387\" data-end=\"2581\"\u003eSun\/Position: Sun or partial shade.\u003cbr data-start=\"2422\" data-end=\"2425\"\u003eSoil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.\u003cbr data-start=\"2484\" data-end=\"2487\"\u003eHardiness: Fully hardy in the UK.\u003cbr data-start=\"2520\" data-end=\"2523\"\u003eCare: Trim lightly once or twice a year to maintain shape.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr data-start=\"2583\" data-end=\"2586\"\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"2588\" data-end=\"2608\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2588\" data-end=\"2608\"\u003eLooks Great With\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp data-start=\"2610\" data-end=\"2823\"\u003eLavender – Soft contrast beneath.\u003cbr data-start=\"2643\" data-end=\"2646\"\u003eGrasses – Adds movement around structure.\u003cbr data-start=\"2687\" data-end=\"2690\"\u003eTopiary mixes – Combine with cones and spirals.\u003cbr data-start=\"2737\" data-end=\"2740\"\u003eEvergreens – Layered formal planting.\u003cbr data-start=\"2777\" data-end=\"2780\"\u003eSeasonal bedding – Adds colour at the base.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grasslands Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48912125362502,"sku":"169360","price":56.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/7948\/8326\/files\/599c2b07-28a8-4d4e-95e4-4c36c93a949b.jpg?v=1776871074","url":"https:\/\/www.grasslands.co.uk\/products\/ilex-crenata-dark-green-ball-7-5-litre-pot-30cm","provider":"Grasslands Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}