Ilex crenata Dark Green P14

Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' (Japanese holly) is an evergreen, compact and densely branched selection prized for crisp, formal structure in hedges and topiary. Its small, glossy, dark green leaves resemble box, and it clips cleanly, holding tight shapes with a slow rate of growth. Grow in sun or light shade in moist but well‑drained, moderately fertile soil that is neutral to acidic; avoid chalky/alkaline soils where foliage may yellow. Tiny white flowers appear in late spring, though they are generally inconspicuous. If left untrimmed, plants can ultimately reach around 2–3m over time.

To help give a clear sense of scale, the stone wall shown in our photos measures approximately 265cm in height. We also use familiar garden tools as visual references: a digging fork (110cm tall) and a hand fork (30cm tall). These are included purely as size guides to help you better judge proportions when viewing the images.

Position: Sun or light shade

Rate of Growth: Slow

Soil: Moist but well-drained, moderately fertile, neutral to acidic; avoid chalk

Hardiness: Fully hardy

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Plant at a Glance