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At Heijnen Plants, we take pride in offering the distinguished Ilex crenata 'Dark Green', also known as the Japanese holly. This exquisite plant is revered for its lush, dark green foliage that retains its vibrant color year-round, making it an ideal choice for crafting a formal hedge or as a topiary specimen in your garden. Adorned with delicate white flowers, the 'Dark Green' cultivar is a sophisticated addition to any landscape, offering a touch of elegance with its dense, boxwood-like appearance.
The Ilex crenata 'Dark Green', commonly known as the Japanese holly, is a versatile and hardy evergreen, ideal for crafting the perfect hedge. With its small, glossy leaves that emulate classic boxwoods, this cultivar offers an excellent alternative for gardeners seeking a similar aesthetic with additional hardiness.
We would like to provide some tips on how to plant and care for a Ilex crenata 'Dark Green'. By following these tips, you can be sure to enjoy your Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' for a long time.
Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' is versatile in its site preference and can flourish in a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to shade. When choosing the optimal location, aim for a spot where the soil is well-drained, as this will support its growth throughout the seasons. While adaptable to various soil types, ensuring proper drainage is key to the plant's health. The evergreen nature and moderate growth rate make it an excellent choice for a low-maintenance hedge that retains its lush green foliage year-round, contributing to a consistent garden aesthetic.
To ensure a successful establishment, plant Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' in well-drained soil, which can be of any type. Ideally, choose a location that offers full sun to partial shade. When planting, dig a hole as deep as the pot and twice as wide. Gently remove the plant from its container, being careful not to disturb the root ball. Place it in the hole, fill with soil, and press down firmly. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Regular watering during the initial growing period is crucial to encourage strong root development.
Pruning of Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' is a straightforward task, as this hedge plant maintains its shape with minimal intervention. An annual trim is usually sufficient to keep it neat, encouraging dense, lush foliage. Pruning should ideally occur in late spring after the flowering period, allowing the plant to recover and grow through the summer. With its moderate growth rate, a gentle shaping is all that is required to preserve the plant's visual density and structure, ensuring it continues to serve as an attractive year-round hedge.
Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' thrives in well-drained soil and has a moderate need for moisture. While this species is not drought-tolerant, it requires consistent watering to maintain its lush, green foliage. During the establishment phase, it is particularly important to water regularly, allowing the soil to become slightly dry between watering sessions. Once established, it is more resilient but should still be monitored, especially in dry conditions or extreme heat. In winter, reduce watering since the plant is less active and excess water could harm the root system due to colder temperatures.
To support the vigorous growth and dense foliage of Ilex 'Dark Green', an annual fertilizing regimen should be implemented. The best time to fertilize is in early spring, just as the growing season commences. Utilize a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreen plants to ensure a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing period.
Applying the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's recommended rates, spread it evenly around the base of the hedge, taking care to avoid direct contact with the foliage and stems to prevent burn. Water the area deeply after applying to help distribute the nutrients into the soil. This will bolster the plant's development, ensuring robust health and the maintenance of its lush, green appearance.
This particular cultivar, 'Dark Green', thrives when it receives a blend of sun and partial shade, which accentuates the richness of its emerald foliage. Its compact habit makes it an excellent choice for creating low hedges or topiaries, adding structure and elegance to any garden design. To maintain its dense form, annual pruning is recommended; however, it's forgiving and will tolerate being shaped to suit your aesthetic preferences or spatial requirements.
The Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' is a superb choice for those desiring a refined and robust evergreen for their landscape. This elegant plant boasts deep green, glossy leaves and maintains its vibrant hue throughout the year. Its compact growth habit makes it an excellent candidate for topiary or formal hedges, offering a touch of class to any garden setting.