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Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright'

At Heijnen Plants, we take pride in offering the Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright', a distinguished variety of Japanese holly. This particular species is celebrated for its elegant, upright growth habit and its delicate white blossoms that provide a subtle, yet charming display. Ideal for creating structured garden designs or formal hedges, 'Caroline Upright' presents glossy, deep green foliage that maintains its vibrant color year-round, ensuring your garden remains a sanctuary of natural beauty regardless of the season.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Twice a year

Growth rate
20-30cm a year

Visual barrier
Moderately obscuring

Position
Shade, partial shade, sun

Maintenance
Low maintenance

2+ £12.40

50+ £11.80

100+ £11.50

200+ £11.15

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
20-30

Planting distance per meter
5

11.15

per piece

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

Added to shopping cart

2+ £14.15

50+ £13.45

100+ £13.10

200+ £12.75

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
30-40

Planting distance per meter
5

12.75

per piece

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

Added to shopping cart

2+ £16.35

50+ £15.55

100+ £15.10

200+ £14.70

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

Planting distance per meter
4

14.70

per piece

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

Added to shopping cart

2+ £22.05

50+ £20.95

100+ £20.40

200+ £19.85

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

Planting distance per meter
4

19.85

per piece

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

Added to shopping cart

Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright'

The Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright', commonly known as Japanese holly, is an elegant evergreen well-suited for forming a dense, upright hedge. Its delicate white flowers in spring add a subtle charm to its year-round lush green foliage.

This variety offers a classic aesthetic with its small, glossy leaves and is often chosen by gardeners and landscapers for its adaptability and ease of care.

Key Features

The Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright' is a hardy plant with moderate growth, reaching 20-30 centimeters annually, which allows for the gradual shaping of the hedge.
Its visual density is moderately obscuring, which provides a neat and tidy privacy screen without appearing too dense or impenetrable.
It is winter hardy, withstanding temperatures as low as -17.8°C to -23.3°C (USDA zone 6), ensuring that it maintains its vibrant green foliage even in the cold months.
The Japanese holly thrives in a variety of well-drained soils and tolerates different lighting conditions, from full sun to partial shade and even full shade.
The plant's evergreen nature ensures a constant display of greenery in all seasons, with white blossoms gracing the hedge in the spring and early summer.

Tips

For optimal growth, plant Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright' in well-drained soil and water regularly to establish a strong root system, especially if planting in a sunnier location.
Pruning should be done twice per year to maintain the desired shape and size of the hedge; however, this species doesn't require excessive trimming.
Propagation can be achieved through semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings, making it easy to expand your hedge or share with fellow garden enthusiasts.
While the plant does not typically require extensive pruning, keeping it well-groomed will encourage density and provide a more polished appearance to your landscape design.

Ideal placement of a Ilex

For optimal growth, it is essential to choose an ideal location that can accommodate the versatile nature of Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright'. This variety prospers under a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and even in shaded areas. A key requirement for the soil is that it must be well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which could be detrimental to the plant's health. Despite its tolerance for various soil types, ensuring good drainage will contribute to a robust and healthy hedge. The plant's adaptability makes it a fine selection for multiple garden layouts and exposures.

Planting a Ilex

For optimal establishment, Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright' should be planted in well-drained soil, adaptable to various conditions, whether in shade, partial shade, or sun. This species is particularly suited for hedge formations, and spacing should be calculated to accommodate its 20-30 cm annual growth rate, ensuring each plant has enough room to mature. After planting, it is essential to water thoroughly to encourage root development. With its winter hardiness down to -17.8°C, corresponding to USDA zone 6, this evergreen maintains its lush green foliage throughout all seasons, providing a robust visual screen.

Pruning a Ilex

To maintain the shape and health of Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright', pruning is recommended twice per year. The first session should be in late spring, after the flowering period, to encourage denser foliage and maintain the hedge's shape. The second pruning should occur in late summer, allowing for recovery before cooler temperatures set in. This species tolerates trimming well, but excessive cutting is unnecessary due to its moderate growth rate. Always ensure that tools are clean and sharp to prevent damage to the plant's dense, evergreen leaves.

Watering a Ilex

The Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright' prefers a consistent moisture level within its well-drained soil, particularly during establishment and growth phases. While it is not drought-resistant, it is crucial to avoid waterlogging, which can be detrimental to its root system. During prolonged dry spells, ensure the soil remains moist but not saturated. Regular watering is particularly important during the active growth periods in spring and early summer. As an evergreen, maintaining adequate hydration during the winter months is also beneficial, particularly if planted in areas with wind exposure or full sun, which can increase the rate of moisture loss.

Fertilising a Ilex

To maintain the lush green appearance and support the growth of Ilex 'Caroline Upright', it is essential to fertilize adequately. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to kickstart growth as temperatures rise. A second application in mid-summer will help sustain its development through the growing season. Due to its moderate growth rate and evergreen nature, ensuring the right nutrient balance is crucial for this species to maintain its visual density and vibrant foliage throughout the year. It is important to follow the recommended dosage on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant. Water the area around the base after applying fertilizer to help dissolve the nutrients into the soil.

The characteristics of a Ilex

The Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright' is revered for its dense, upright growth habit, making it an exceptional choice for vertical elements in landscaping. Its small, glossy leaves and compact structure require minimal shaping, allowing it to maintain a tidy appearance with ease. This species thrives in a variety of soil conditions, benefiting from mulching to retain moisture. As a pot-grown cultivar, it readily adapts to container life, perfect for patio displays or urban gardening.

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