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Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'

At Heijnen Plants, we take pride in offering the distinguished Ilex crenata 'Dark Green', also known as the Japanese holly. This exquisite plant is revered for its lush, dark green foliage that retains its vibrant color year-round, making it an ideal choice for crafting a formal hedge or as a topiary specimen in your garden. Adorned with delicate white flowers, the 'Dark Green' cultivar is a sophisticated addition to any landscape, offering a touch of elegance with its dense, boxwood-like appearance.

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+ £14.85

50+ £14.15

100+ £13.75

200+ £13.40

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

Planting distance per meter
5

13.40

per piece

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

Added to shopping cart

2+ £15.30

50+ £14.55

100+ £14.15

200+ £13.75

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

Planting distance per meter
5

13.75

per piece

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

Added to shopping cart

2+ £21.75

50+ £20.65

100+ £20.15

200+ £19.60

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

Planting distance per meter
4

19.60

per piece

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

Added to shopping cart

2+ £27.10

50+ £25.70

100+ £25.05

200+ £24.35

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

Planting distance per meter
3

24.35

per piece

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

Added to shopping cart

2+ £32.80

50+ £31.15

100+ £30.35

200+ £29.55

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

Planting distance per meter
3

29.55

per piece

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

Added to shopping cart

2+ £56.20

25+ £53.40

50+ £52.00

100+ £50.60

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

Planting distance per meter
2,5

50.60

per piece

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

Added to shopping cart

2+ £71.00

25+ £67.45

50+ £65.70

100+ £63.90

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

Planting distance per meter
2,5

63.90

per piece

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

Added to shopping cart

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'

The Ilex crenata 'Dark Green', commonly known as the Japanese holly, is a versatile and hardy evergreen, ideal for crafting the perfect hedge. With its small, glossy leaves that emulate classic boxwoods, this cultivar offers an excellent alternative for gardeners seeking a similar aesthetic with additional hardiness.

Key Features

Displaying a deep green foliage throughout the year, Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' provides a constant backdrop of color to your garden.
It thrives in a variety of locations, from full sun to shade, ensuring flexibility in garden design.
This species is robust against the cold, with winter hardiness down to -17.8°C, making it suitable for USDA zone 6 climates.
The plant blooms with delicate white flowers in May and June, followed by attractive black berries in autumn, adding seasonal interest.
With a moderate growth rate of 15-30 cm per year, it forms a dense hedge that is moderately obscuring, providing privacy without the need for constant trimming.

Tips

When planting Ilex crenata 'Dark Green', ensure the soil is well-drained to promote healthy growth.
Annual pruning is recommended to maintain its shape and encourage denser foliage; however, this plant does not demand excessive trimming.
Despite its hardiness, the Japanese holly is not drought-resistant. Regular watering during dry periods will keep the plant vibrant and support its growth.
Propagation can be achieved through semi-ripe cuttings or hardwood cuttings, depending on the time of the year, allowing gardeners to expand their hedge without additional cost.

Ideal placement of a Ilex

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' is versatile in its site preference and can flourish in a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to shade. When choosing the optimal location, aim for a spot where the soil is well-drained, as this will support its growth throughout the seasons. While adaptable to various soil types, ensuring proper drainage is key to the plant's health. The evergreen nature and moderate growth rate make it an excellent choice for a low-maintenance hedge that retains its lush green foliage year-round, contributing to a consistent garden aesthetic.

Planting a Ilex

To ensure a successful establishment, plant Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' in well-drained soil, which can be of any type. Ideally, choose a location that offers full sun to partial shade. When planting, dig a hole as deep as the pot and twice as wide. Gently remove the plant from its container, being careful not to disturb the root ball. Place it in the hole, fill with soil, and press down firmly. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Regular watering during the initial growing period is crucial to encourage strong root development.

Pruning a Ilex

Pruning of Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' is a straightforward task, as this hedge plant maintains its shape with minimal intervention. An annual trim is usually sufficient to keep it neat, encouraging dense, lush foliage. Pruning should ideally occur in late spring after the flowering period, allowing the plant to recover and grow through the summer. With its moderate growth rate, a gentle shaping is all that is required to preserve the plant's visual density and structure, ensuring it continues to serve as an attractive year-round hedge.

Watering a Ilex

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' thrives in well-drained soil and has a moderate need for moisture. While this species is not drought-tolerant, it requires consistent watering to maintain its lush, green foliage. During the establishment phase, it is particularly important to water regularly, allowing the soil to become slightly dry between watering sessions. Once established, it is more resilient but should still be monitored, especially in dry conditions or extreme heat. In winter, reduce watering since the plant is less active and excess water could harm the root system due to colder temperatures.

Fertilising a Ilex

To support the vigorous growth and dense foliage of Ilex 'Dark Green', an annual fertilizing regimen should be implemented. The best time to fertilize is in early spring, just as the growing season commences. Utilize a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreen plants to ensure a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing period.

Applying the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's recommended rates, spread it evenly around the base of the hedge, taking care to avoid direct contact with the foliage and stems to prevent burn. Water the area deeply after applying to help distribute the nutrients into the soil. This will bolster the plant's development, ensuring robust health and the maintenance of its lush, green appearance.

The characteristics of a Ilex

This particular cultivar, 'Dark Green', thrives when it receives a blend of sun and partial shade, which accentuates the richness of its emerald foliage. Its compact habit makes it an excellent choice for creating low hedges or topiaries, adding structure and elegance to any garden design. To maintain its dense form, annual pruning is recommended; however, it's forgiving and will tolerate being shaped to suit your aesthetic preferences or spatial requirements.

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