Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright' 60-70 CM PYR

Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright': A Sleek and Elegant Evergreen

Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright', commonly known as Japanese Holly, is a versatile evergreen shrub that provides year-round interest in the garden. This particular variety is known for its upright growth habit and dense foliage, making it an excellent choice for formal hedges, topiary, and mixed borders. Its glossy, dark green leaves resemble those of boxwood, making it a popular alternative for boxwood hedging, especially in areas prone to boxwood blight.

Features and Appearance

Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright' features small, oval-shaped leaves that are glossy and dark green, creating a lush, verdant appearance. This shrub maintains its foliage throughout the year, offering consistent color and structure to the garden. It produces small white flowers in the spring, followed by black berries in the fall, which add subtle interest and attract birds to the garden.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright' is adaptable to a variety of growing conditions and is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8. This makes it suitable for many garden settings and climates.

Height and Spread

• Height: 1.5 to 3 meters (5 to 10 feet) at maturity
• Spread: 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet)

How to Care for Your Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright'

Caring for Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright' is relatively simple, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all skill levels. Follow these expert care tips to ensure your plant thrives:

Planting and Soil Requirements

• Planting: Choose a location with well-drained soil and access to full sun to partial shade. This plant is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, but performs best in moist, acidic soil.
• Soil: Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss if necessary to improve its structure and fertility.

Watering and Fertilization

• Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, Ilex crenata is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture during prolonged dry periods.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can lead to overly vigorous growth.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Pruning: Prune Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright' in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and encourage dense, bushy growth. Trim back any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to promote plant health.
• Maintenance: Keep the area around the base of the plant free from weeds and debris to enhance air circulation and minimize the risk of disease.

Pest and Disease Management

• Pests: Ilex crenata is generally resistant to pests, but may occasionally encounter problems with spider mites or scale insects. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil as needed.
• Diseases: This shrub is resistant to many common plant diseases but can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soil. Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering to reduce disease risk.

Landscaping Ideas with 'Caroline Upright'

Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright' is an incredibly versatile plant that adds elegance and structure to any garden. Use it to create formal hedges, privacy screens, or as a foundation planting. Its upright habit makes it an excellent choice for topiary or container gardening, where it can serve as a focal point or accent plant.

In mixed borders, 'Caroline Upright' provides a beautiful backdrop for flowering perennials and shrubs, adding depth and texture to the garden. Pair it with contrasting foliage plants, such as ferns or hostas, to create a dynamic and visually appealing landscape.

Whether used in traditional or contemporary garden designs, Ilex crenata 'Caroline Upright' offers year-round beauty and adaptability, making it a valuable addition to any landscape. Its low-maintenance nature and resistance to pests and diseases make it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a reliable and attractive evergreen shrub.

• Size
  C10

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

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* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
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