15/20cm Pot Grown Japanese Holly
(Ilex crenata)

The Japanese Holly is an ideal alternative to the Box hedge, due to it being very similar in nature (even though it is a type of Holly) and has added benefits- being resistant to Box blight, regenerates from old wood (meaning you can re-shape it easily if it has been neglected for a while) and does not get leaf scorch when pruned. As well as this, the Ilex Crenata is also slightly more adaptable to tougher conditions than the Box, meaning it is great for Colder areas.

You can keep the Japanese Holly as a small, neat hedge, or make it part of a lovely edging to a border/path. Even consider growing it to be a bit higher (around 1m), and trim into a topiary shape.

This 15/20cm pot grown Japanese Holly plant is slow-growing but will grow up to 1.2m-2.5m in good conditions.

The Ilex Crenata can tolerate shade and urban pollution and is also suited to cold climates.

• Growth height: Slow (10-20cm per year)
• Ideal height: 1.2m-2.5m Medium
• Soil Type: Normal
• Exposure: Coastal, Exposed, Inland
• Aspect: Full shade, Sun
• Evergreen foliage? Yes

As it is pot grown, you can easily leave the plant in its pot for a few days/weeks before planting it. Just ensure you keep the plant well-watered, and it gets enough sun. Don't leave it for too long, however, as you don't want the roots becoming root bound.

The Japanese Holly can easily tolerate hard pruning- but please note that this will encourage new growth, making it vulnerable to cold weather. You can easily trim off any branch tips with dead wood and make the shape more attractive and pleasing.