Ilex Crenata Dark Green Cone 5 Litre Pot 40-50cm

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' – A Dense Evergreen with Rich, Glossy Foliage

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense growth and deep, glossy green leaves. This variety of Japanese holly is perfect for creating formal hedges, topiary, or low borders, providing year-round structure and colour to any garden. Its neat growth habit and ability to tolerate regular pruning make it a versatile and low-maintenance choice for a variety of landscaping needs.

Why Grow Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'?

• Compact, Dense Growth – Ideal for low hedges, borders, or topiary with its neat and rounded form.

• Rich, Glossy Green Foliage – Offers vibrant, evergreen colour that remains attractive throughout the year.

• Low Maintenance – Tolerates pruning and requires minimal care, making it an easy addition to any garden.

• Year-Round Appeal – Maintains its dark green colour and tidy shape across all seasons, providing consistent structure and visual interest.

Height of Plant

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' typically grows to a height of 1.2 – 1.5m (4 – 5 feet) and spreads about 1 – 1.2m (3 – 4 feet) wide, forming a dense, bushy shape perfect for hedging or accent planting.

Where to Site Your Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'

This hardy evergreen thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It's a fantastic choice for low hedges, borders, or as an accent plant in formal or informal garden settings. It pairs well with other evergreens, flowering shrubs, and ornamental grasses, adding structure and texture to your garden throughout the year.

How to Grow and Care for Your Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'

• Soil – Prefers moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types.

• Light – Grows best in full sun to partial shade, although it can tolerate some light shade.

• Watering – Keep soil consistently moist, particularly during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.

• Maintenance:

  • Pruning – Minimal pruning is required, but regular trimming can help maintain its neat, rounded form and promote healthy growth.

  • Mulching – Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect the roots, especially during colder months.

Perfect Plant Combinations

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' pairs well with other evergreen shrubs like boxwood, yew, or holly and complements flowering plants such as camellias, azaleas, or hydrangeas. It also works beautifully alongside ornamental grasses or perennials to create a layered, textured garden design.

With its compact size, dense growth, and rich, glossy green foliage, Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' is an excellent choice for low-maintenance hedges, topiary, or as an accent plant. Whether used for privacy screens, borders, or simply as a striking focal point, it provides year-round greenery and structure to any garden.