Ilex Crenata ‘Dark Green’ (Box Holly / Japanese Holly)

Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’, also known as Box Holly or Japanese Holly, is a slow-growing, dense evergreen shrub that makes an excellent alternative to traditional Box. It is particularly well suited to formal hedging, edging, topiary, containers and low borders.

The plant produces small, glossy dark green leaves with gently scalloped edges, reaching up to around 3cm long. Its dense growth creates a neat, compact appearance and provides year-round evergreen structure.

Growing relatively slowly, ‘Dark Green’ is easy to maintain and responds well to regular clipping. It can be shaped into a formal low hedge or topiary, making it particularly useful for defining pathways, borders and formal garden areas.

It is a good choice where the appearance of a traditional Box hedge is wanted but an alternative to Buxus is preferred.

Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. Its compact habit and evergreen foliage make it particularly useful for small gardens, containers and formal planting schemes.