Ilex crenata Dark Green ='Icoprins11' Sphere

Common name: Dark Green Japanese Holly

Description: This superior cultivar of Japanese holly forms a dense, compact evergreen shrub with small, glossy, dark green leaves that closely resemble boxwood. The foliage is particularly rich and lustrous in colour, maintaining excellent intensity year-round without the bronzing that can affect some holly varieties in winter. The cultivar "Dark Green" (botanical name 'Icoprins11') has a naturally neat, rounded to oval habit that requires minimal pruning to maintain shape, though it responds excellently to trimming and can be shaped into formal hedges or topiary. In late spring, small white flowers appear but are rather inconspicuous. Female plants may produce small black berries in autumn if a male pollinator is nearby, though the berries are largely hidden within the dense foliage. This cultivar shows good resistance to pests and diseases that commonly affect box, making it an excellent alternative in gardens affected by box blight or box tree caterpillar.

Other benefits: excellent box substitute, pollution tolerant, urban-friendly, low maintenance, responds well to pruning

Wildlife attraction: dense structure provides nesting sites for birds and shelter for small wildlife

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 1.2m x 1m

Position: full sun to full shade; versatile in various light conditions

Soil pH: adaptable to most soil types; prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions but tolerates alkalinity

Moisture: moderate water needs; prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil; established plants have some drought tolerance

Winter hardiness: cold hardy to -20°C; may benefit from shelter in coldest regions