Instant Hedge Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata 'Dark Green') in a trough

Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’ is a slow and low growing evergreen instant hedge. It is a form of Japanese Holly with small dark green leaves similar in size to Box and makes a great Box substitute.

It thrives in almost all soil types but particularly a free-draining soil that will prevent waterlogging. Grows well in chalky or clay soils but its optimum preference is a humus rich acidic soil. It has the added advantage of being resistant to Rusts, leaf spots and Box blight. For best results, feed regularly during the growing season.

Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata 'Dark green') instant hedge is tolerant of shade as well as city air pollution, making it ideal for towns and cities.

Although Box hedging (Buxus sempervirens) has been a long favourite for use in Parterre gardens to stylish property border hedging. Unfortunately, in many areas of the country, it has become a victim of devastating fungal disease Box blight, as well as increasingly attacked by infestations of the destructive Box Tree caterpillar

A very effective, equally stylish option to either replace a hedge that has been irreversibly damaged, or, if you about to plant a new border hedge, particularly if you live in an infected area, we highly recommend Ilex crenata. This very hardy species looks very similar to Box hedging, is slow growing, and hence low maintenance. More importantly, it is not affected by Box blight or Box Tree caterpillar.