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Ilex crenata 'Blondie'

At Heijnen Plants, we take pride in cultivating the exquisite Ilex crenata 'Blondie', a variant of Japanese holly that is cherished for its unique foliage and delicate white flowers. This distinguished plant is a connoisseur's choice, offering a graceful addition to any garden with its vibrant, light green leaves that provide a stunning contrast against the more common green hues of a traditional hedge. Perfect for creating structured designs or as a stand-alone specimen, the Ilex crenata 'Blondie' is a testament to the elegance and diversity of our carefully nurtured collection.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Once a year

Growth rate
15-30cm a year

Visual barrier
Moderately obscuring

Position
Shade, partial shade, sun

Maintenance
Low maintenance

2+ £24.10

50+ £22.90

100+ £22.30

200+ £21.70

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
40-60

Planting distance per meter
4

21.70

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £26.80

50+ £25.45

100+ £24.75

200+ £24.10

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
60-80

Planting distance per meter
3,5

24.10

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £32.95

50+ £31.30

100+ £30.45

200+ £29.65

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
80-100

Planting distance per meter
3

29.65

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £58.00

25+ £55.10

50+ £53.65

100+ £52.20

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
100-125

Planting distance per meter
2,5

52.20

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £79.35

25+ £75.35

50+ £73.40

100+ £71.40

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
125-150

Planting distance per meter
2

71.40

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

Ilex crenata 'Blondie'

The Ilex crenata 'Blondie' is a distinguished variety of the Japanese holly, known for its vibrant golden-yellow foliage in spring that matures to a lustrous green as seasons change. This versatile evergreen is ideal for creating a dense, low hedge that offers year-round privacy and interest. With its moderate growth rate and adaptability to a range of lighting conditions, from full sun to shade, 'Blondie' is a superb choice for gardeners seeking structure and elegance.

Key features

The Ilex crenata 'Blondie' is a hardy evergreen, thriving in USDA zone 6, withstanding temperatures as low as -17.8°C to -23.3°C.
Its compact growth and moderate height increase of 15-30 cm per year make it an excellent option for a block hedge without overwhelming the garden space.
The plant's visual density is moderately obscuring, providing a good level of privacy while still allowing light to permeate.
In spring, 'Blondie' boasts a striking display of white flowers, followed by black fruit in the autumn, adding to the seasonal interest of the hedge.

Tips

When planting Ilex crenata 'Blondie', ensure you choose a location that provides well-drained soil, as this species does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
While 'Blondie' is adaptable to different light conditions, the golden hue of its spring foliage is more pronounced when the plant receives ample sunlight.
Regular watering is crucial, especially in drought conditions, to maintain the health and vibrancy of the foliage.
Pruning should be done once a year to maintain the desired shape and size of the hedge. The best time to prune is after the plant has flowered to allow for the next season's growth.
If propagation is desired, semi-ripe cuttings can be taken during the growing season to expand your 'Blondie' collection or share with fellow garden enthusiasts.

Ideal placement of a Ilex

The Ilex crenata 'Blondie' thrives across a range of exposures, from full sun to partial shade and even in shaded areas, making it an adaptable choice for diverse garden settings. Its flexibility extends to soil preferences; it can flourish in various soil types, provided they are {R. well-drained}. For optimal growth and foliage color, selecting a site that meets these conditions will ensure the plant's golden spring leaves mature to their characteristic green, maintaining a moderate growth rate and contributing to a visually appealing hedge throughout the seasons.

Planting a Ilex

When planting Ilex crenata 'Blondie', select a location that can be in full sun to shade, ensuring the plant thrives in various light conditions. The root ball should be well-watered before planting, and the hole should be dug to a depth that allows the root ball to sit level with the soil surface. After placing the root ball in the hole, backfill with native soil mixed with compost to encourage healthy root growth. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and continue to provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, as this species is not drought resistant.

Pruning a Ilex

For Ilex crenata 'Blondie', pruning is a task that demands minimal effort. This plant's growth habit allows it to maintain a neat appearance with little intervention. Pruning should be performed once a year to shape the hedge or to encourage denser foliage. The ideal time for this is late spring after the plant has flowered, ensuring that the vibrant gold and yellow leaves of spring can mature into their summer green. Pruning before winter is not recommended, as this plant is evergreen and maintains its foliage year-round.

Watering a Ilex

The Ilex crenata 'Blondie' thrives with consistent moisture, particularly during its formative years to establish a robust root system. While it can adapt to various soil types, provided they are well-drained, this species is not drought-tolerant and will benefit from additional watering during dry spells. It is crucial to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can be detrimental. During the winter months, the plant's water requirements diminish, but one should still monitor the soil moisture, especially in zones with lower winter hardiness, to protect against freeze-thaw cycles that can stress the plant.

Fertilising a Ilex

To ensure the vibrant foliage of Ilex 'Blondie' maintains its lustrous appearance throughout the year, a consistent fertilizing routine is key. It is recommended to fertilize the plant in early spring, just as the growing season commences. This timing allows the nutrients to support the flush of new growth and the deepening of the foliage's hues. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer is ideal, as it provides a steady supply of essential nutrients over several months. Additionally, a second application in mid-summer can promote continued health and vigor, particularly important for a plant that serves as a hedge with a moderate growth rate. When fertilizing, take care to apply the product according to the manufacturer's instructions, as over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth and a less dense habit.

The characteristics of a Ilex

Ilex crenata 'Blondie' is a remarkable variety that offers year-round interest with its bright, lime-green foliage that stands out in any landscape. Its compact size and slow growth rate make it an excellent choice for small gardens or as a feature in container plantings. This species thrives in well-drained soil and, once established, is quite tolerant of dry conditions. Its root ball ensures a strong foundation, making it a resilient addition to your outdoor space.

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