Ilex Crenata - Japanese Holly Cone

These are topiary Ilex Crenata plants shaped over time as a cone or pyramid. 
Ilex Crenata more commonly known as Japanese Holly has small, glossy deep green leaves and is often mistaken for being a member of the Buxus plant family. These Ilex Crenata cone plants are premium quality specimens and have been trained into the popular conical shape for topiary.
Ilex Crenata cone plants are a much hardier alternative to box, Japanese Holly survives much colder temperatures in winter and is not affected by Box Blight, a disease which has badly affected Box plants in the UK. This is our go-to alternative to Buxus for hedging and topiary purposes.
Ilex Crenata was brought over to the UK back in 1864 from Japan where it grows naturally at high altitude, also found in the higher parts of Korea. Therefore, Ilex Crenata is naturally adapted to cold wet places and the UK winters are no problem for this plant when settled into the ground.
Japanese Holly is relatively slow growing and will tolerate most soils even clay or chalky soil. We trim our cones twice a year in May and September to keep them in perfect shape but you can get away with a single summer trim.
Japanese Holly cones can be grown in pots and do look splendid in terracotta or stone planters but a word of warning – don’t allow the roots to freeze if there is a particularly cold spell – we recommend moving the pots to shelter.
We also stock Ilex Crenata Balls and Spiral topiary, here at Paramount we also specialise in Ilex Crenata Cloud trees.