- Botanical name: Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'
- Common name: Japanese holly
- Family: Aquifoliaceae
- Plant Type: Shrub, Evergreen
White
Green
- Key features:
- Colourful new growth
Commonly known as Japanese holly or box-leaved holly, Ilex crenata is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub often chosen as a more robust alternative to box (Buxus sempervirens), as it’s not affected by box blight or box moth, and is more tolerant of low temperatures. It’s perfect for growing as a green foil behind more colourful plants, clips nicely into a ball, and works well in pots.
Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’ has deep-green, convex leaves that closely resemble those of true box leaves more than other varieties.
Grow Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’ in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. For best results grow in acidic soil, but neutral to alkaline soils are also tolerated. Prune hedges or topiary in late summer – plants growing as freestanding shrubs need little pruning. Mulch annually in autumn with home-made compost or well-rotted manure.
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Advice on buying Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’
- Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’ may be available from your local garden centre or nursery, but you will have more options online
- Always check plants for signs of damage or disease before planting
Where to buy Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’
How to grow Ilex 'Dark Green'
-
Plant size
4m height
3m spread
-
Aspect
North facing, south facing, east facing, west facing
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full shade, partial shade
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Acidic / chalky / alkaline / clay / heavy / moist / well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do Plant in January |
F
Do Plant in February |
M
Do Plant in March |
A
Do Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do not Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do Plant in October |
N
Do Plant in November |
D
Do Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does flower in May |
J
Plant does flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
| Fruits | ||||||||||||
| Fruits |
J
Plant does not fruit in January |
F
Plant does not fruit in February |
M
Plant does not fruit in March |
A
Plant does not fruit in April |
M
Plant does not fruit in May |
J
Plant does not fruit in June |
J
Plant does not fruit in July |
A
Plant does not fruit in August |
S
Plant does fruit in September |
O
Plant does fruit in October |
N
Plant does not fruit in November |
D
Plant does not fruit in December |
| Take cuttings | ||||||||||||
| Take cuttings |
J
Do not Take cuttings in January |
F
Do not Take cuttings in February |
M
Do not Take cuttings in March |
A
Do not Take cuttings in April |
M
Do not Take cuttings in May |
J
Do not Take cuttings in June |
J
Do Take cuttings in July |
A
Do Take cuttings in August |
S
Do Take cuttings in September |
O
Do not Take cuttings in October |
N
Do not Take cuttings in November |
D
Do not Take cuttings in December |
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
J
Do not Prune in January |
F
Do not Prune in February |
M
Do not Prune in March |
A
Do not Prune in April |
M
Do Prune in May |
J
Do not Prune in June |
J
Do not Prune in July |
A
Do not Prune in August |
S
Do Prune in September |
O
Do not Prune in October |
N
Do not Prune in November |
D
Do not Prune in December |
Ilex 'Dark Green' and wildlife
Ilex 'Dark Green' has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Ilex 'Dark Green' poisonous?
Ilex 'Dark Green' is harmful if ingested and causes an upset stomach. Its foliage and fruit are toxic.
Toxic to Cats
Toxic to Dogs
Toxic to Horses
Toxic to People
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Livestock
Plants that go well with Ilex 'Dark Green'
