Ilex crenata ‘Blondie’ (Japanese holly 'Blondie')

Unclipped this could reach 3.5 x 3.5 over 20 years. A perfect plant for hedging and topiary, the new growth is a luscious light green, maturing to dark, glossy green, slightly pointed oval leaves. The flowers are small and white and are followed by black berries in the autumn.

Position in full sun in any fertile well drained soil, in an exposed or a sheltered position. Tolerates pollution so good in an urban environment.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.