Ilex crenata Hedge Plants Description
Ilex crenata, also known as Japanese Holly, is an elegant evergreen hedge plant that is a popular alternative to boxwood. With its small, glossy, dark green leaves and dense growth habit, it provides a neat and formal appearance, making it ideal for low hedges, topiary, and garden borders. Unlike some hollies, Ilex crenata does not have spiny leaves, giving it a softer, more refined look.
This slow-growing shrub can reach a height of up to 2.5 metres but is typically kept trimmed to suit various landscaping needs. Its growth rate is around 20-30 centimetres per year, making it easy to maintain for formal gardens or structured hedging. It tolerates regular trimming, allowing you to shape it precisely to your desired size and form.
One of the key benefits of Ilex crenata is its hardiness. It thrives in a range of conditions, including full sun to partial shade, and grows well in most well-drained soils. The plant is also highly resistant to diseases and pests, including box blight, which makes it an excellent substitute for box hedging. It is also tolerant of urban pollution, making it suitable for city gardens.
Ilex crenata is an attractive choice for year-round structure in the garden. Its dense foliage offers excellent privacy when used as a hedge, while its compact growth is perfect for creating formal shapes and features. Additionally, this plant is low-maintenance and can add a touch of class to any garden design.
Pruning Advice
Ilex crenata should be pruned once or twice a year to maintain its neat and compact shape. The best times to prune are:
Late Spring to Early Summer (around May or June) – This is the ideal time for the main pruning session. By trimming after the first flush of growth, you can shape the hedge and encourage denser foliage.
Late Summer (around August or September) – If necessary, a second light trim can be done to maintain its form and keep the hedge looking tidy through autumn and winter.
Avoid heavy pruning in late autumn, as this can leave fresh cuts vulnerable to frost damage during the winter months.
Further Information
Planting distances are largely a matter of preference. For bare root plants, spacing them at 3 plants per metre is sufficient, 5 plants is optimal, and 7 plants in a double staggered row will result in a denser hedge more quickly. Generally, smaller plants should be planted at a higher density. For cell-grown plants, spacing at 4 plants per metre in a single row or ideally 6 plants per metre in a staggered row is recommended.
Delivery & Returns
Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:
* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.
* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.
* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.
* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.
Slow Growth Rate
White Flowers
Evergreen
Berries
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