Box-leaved Holly 'Helleri'

Ilex crenata 'Helleri' is a compact, evergreen shrub ideal for low, formal hedging and topiary in UK gardens, offering a good alternative to traditional boxwood, particularly where box blight is a concern. It features small, glossy, dark green leaves that are slightly concave, creating a dense, neat texture. Typically grown as a hedge between 30cm and 80cm tall, it can reach an ultimate height and spread of 1-1.2m if left untrimmed. Inconspicuous white flowers in summer may be followed by small black berries. It prefers a sheltered position in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Has an RHS AGM.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul.