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Japanese holly
The Ilex crenata 'Stokes', commonly known as Japanese holly, is a versatile and elegant evergreen shrub that adds structure and greenery to any garden setting. With its rich green foliage and compact, bushy growth habit, this hardy plant is an excellent choice for a variety of uses, from borders to group plantings, or even as a stately solitary specimen.
We would like to provide some tips on how to plant and care for a Evergreen hedge. By following these tips, you can be sure to enjoy your Evergreen hedge for a long time.
This species thrives in a variety of lighting conditions, from full sun to partial shade and even in full shade, though more abundant light can encourage denser foliage growth and better flowering. When considering soil preferences, Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is adaptable to all soil types, provided they are well-drained, ensuring the plant's root system remains healthy. For optimal growth, the location should offer adequate space for the plant to reach its mature height of 1.2 meters, while exhibiting its naturally upright to bushy growth habit.
When planting this evergreen shrub, choose a location that offers full sun to shade, which will accommodate its adaptability to various light conditions. The species thrives in all soil types, provided they are well-drained. To establish a strong root system, ensure the soil remains evenly moist, particularly during the initial growing period after planting. Given that the shrub is pot-grown, it can be planted at any time of the year, avoiding periods of frost. Space the plants properly to allow for their upright and bushy growth habit, ensuring they reach their full potential in height and spread.
Pruning of Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is typically minimal due to its naturally tidy growth habit. To maintain its shape or desired size, light trimming can be performed, ideally in late spring or early summer, after the flowering period. This timing allows the shrub to heal before the onset of winter. When pruning, aim to enhance its upright to bushy form, taking care to remove only dead or overcrowded branches to encourage healthy growth and air circulation within the plant.
While Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is relatively low-maintenance in terms of hydration, it is vital to ensure that it receives an adequate amount of water, especially when newly planted to establish a strong root system. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. During dry spells, water the shrub thoroughly to mitigate any water deficits, as it is not drought-resistant. The evergreen nature of this plant means that it will require consistent watering even in the winter months, although less frequently, due to reduced evaporation rates and slower growth during this period.
For optimal growth and health, Ilex crenata 'Stokes' benefits from a regular feeding schedule. It is recommended to fertilize this evergreen shrub in early spring, just before the onset of new growth. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for evergreen shrubs is ideal, ensuring a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season.
Apply the fertilizer around the base of the shrub, following the manufacturer's instructions to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant. Watering the shrub after applying fertilizer helps to distribute the nutrients into the soil and reduces the risk of root burn. A second application in mid-summer can promote continued vigor, especially for plants used in hedges or topiaries that require a lush, dense appearance.
Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is a versatile addition to any landscape, offering year-round interest with its glossy, dark green foliage. This variety is particularly well-suited for creating formal topiary shapes, as it responds very well to pruning. A less known fact is that it thrives in coastal conditions, tolerating salt sprays better than many other species. It is also an excellent choice for urban environments, as it can cope well with pollution and confined soil spaces.
Ilex crenata 'Stokes' typically grows to a height of 1.2 meters when fully mature.
Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is adaptable to various soil types, but it thrives best in well-drained soil. Ensuring proper drainage allows for an ideal environment for the growth and development of this plant.
Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is a versatile plant that can thrive in various lighting conditions, including sun, partial shade, and shade. This adaptability allows for placement in areas with direct sunlight, as well as in locations with partial or full shade. However, for optimal growth and development, a spot with partial shade is recommended.
The blossoms of Ilex crenata 'Stokes' display a pristine white hue, adding an elegant touch to the plant's appearance.
Yes, Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is considered to be winter hardy. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from -20.6°C to -15.0°C, falling within the USDA hardiness zones 6b to 7a. This indicates that Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is well-suited to endure winter conditions within these specified temperature ranges.
Indeed, Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is an evergreen plant. This means it maintains its lush green foliage throughout the year, making it an excellent choice for providing year-round greenery in your surroundings.
Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is known for its moderate growth, taking approximately 5 to 10 years to reach its full height. This indicates that it is a species that develops steadily over time, ultimately achieving its mature stature within a decade.
If we are proud of anything at Heijnen Plants, it is our plant packaging. We have developed our own unique way of packaging our 9x9 cm potted plants. After years of continued development and research, we managed to create packaging that allows plants to be delivered to your home undamaged and quickly through a parcel service. This makes us unique!
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If you have ordered large-sized plants or trees, we deliver them on sealed pallets and place them around your house or driveway. The pallets are sturdy and provide optimal protection for large-sized plants.
We deliver small or medium-sized plants in boxes. The size of the box depends on the size of the plant. We always make sure that the plant has enough space but still stands firmly in the box, so it cannot be damaged during transport.
Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is an exquisite choice for those seeking a refined aesthetic in their garden. This plant's lush, dark green foliage creates a sophisticated presence year-round. Ideal for topiary or as a hedge, 'Stokes' adds structure and elegance to any landscape design.