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Ilex crenata is almost a universal genius
Over the years, this upright growing shrub reaches heights of between one and 5 m and can grow up to 3 m wide with its expansive side branches. Ilex crenata has shallow roots and is fully hardy, frost-resistant, compact and pruning-resistant. So, if you like to prune, Ilex will be an excellent sparring partner for you.
There will be no bounds to where your pruning imagination can take you, and hedges become particularly dense. But please don’t cut your ilex until the fruits are starting to show. Otherwise, the flowers will be cut off and fruits will not be able to form later.
Demands:
"As an alternative to boxwood, Ilex crenata is becoming increasingly popular, because if you live in a region that struggles with boxwood diseases, then Japanese hollies are the ideal boxwood substitute."
Thomas Dieckmann, Woody plant specialist, Lorenz von Ehren Nursery
Ilex crenata in different varieties
The natural growth form of this beautiful plant is expansive funnel-shaped, partly irregular and dense. However, this ilex will happily tolerate being pruned back. This characteristic makes it an excellent hedge and topiary, but the timing has to be right. We recommend spring – but not too early to avoid late frost damage to the new shoots – or late summer.
Planted in the sun or in partial shade, the plant prefers normal garden soil. Ilex crenata 'Convexa' looks beautiful as a low hedge or under tall trees.
This new breed with its fantastically rich green comes from Germany and is an impressive presence in the garden all year round. Thanks to the ‘Glorie Dwarf’ holly’s undemanding character, it can be used flexibly in the garden or in tubs. The ilex is often used for borders, small hedges, low boundaries, planted as an ornamental plant, as topiary and as an eye-catcher in a tub.
Planted in the garden, Ilex crenata ‘Glorie Dwarf’ is hardy; in a pot, however, the plant needs protection, for example by wrapping the pot with bubble wrap. The tub should also be protected from the wind by placing next a house wall in the cold season.
With its fresh green, slightly shiny foliage, Ilex crenata ‘Glorie Gem’ is very similar to boxwood. Just like it, this ornamental plant is perfect for bordering beds, garden paths and as an evergreen hedge. Four to five plants will be needed per running meter. This holly is also a favourite in the garden as a topiary.
The easy-care, evergreen shrub sets special accents all year round, is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -35°C. Ilex crenata ‘Glorie Gem’ prefers a sunny to partially shady site. A moist, permeable and weakly acidic to neutral substrate is ideal. It will not tolerate calcareous garden soils.
Ilex crenata 'Green Hedge'
Due to its densely bushy and upright growth, this variety is particularly suitable for closed hedges and undergrowth planting. Black berries adorn the entire shrub. This plant also enjoys the characteristic properties of frost-hardiness, robustness and extreme pruning tolerance. In contrast to the box plant, this Ilex is not vulnerable to fungal infestation.
Ilex crenata 'Stokes'
Ilex crenata ‘Stokes’ is originally from North America. It enchants with its boxwood-like foliage. Compared to boxwood, however, it is considered more robust and resistant to diseases. The ‘Stokes’ variety stands out in a special way because of its foliage. Ilex crenata ‘Stokes’ is an attractive addition to the domestic garden – as a single plant, planted in a group or as a low hedge. It prefers a well-drained, humus-rich soil. Waterlogging should be avoided. A spot in the sun or in partial shade will provide all the conditions required for healthy growth and development. Ilex crenata ‘Stokes’ is hardy and also tolerates pruning well. It is equally suitable for cutting back and topiary pruning.
Ilex crenata
Ilex crenata 'Stokes'
Ilex crenata 'Glory Gem'
Ilex crenata 'Green Hedge'