Ilex Crenata 'Stokes'

Ilex Crenata 'Stokes' Care Guide

Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is a compact, evergreen shrub commonly used as a hedge or topiary plant. It features small, glossy green leaves similar to boxwood, making it a popular substitute for Buxus due to its resistance to boxwood blight. Below is a detailed care guide in bullet points, along with key care points for ensuring this plant thrives in your garden.

General Care

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate light shade, but full sun encourages denser growth and better foliage color.
• Soil Type: Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil. It tolerates a range of soil types, including loam, sandy, and clay soils, as long as drainage is adequate.
• Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, Ilex crenata 'Stokes' is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during dry periods.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Mulching also helps prevent weeds.
• Fertilizing: Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer, preferably one formulated for acid-loving plants. This encourages lush, healthy growth.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and encourage denser foliage. It responds well to regular pruning and is ideal for shaping into formal hedges or topiaries.
• Spacing: Space plants about 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) apart when planting as a hedge to allow for even growth and good air circulation.
• Propagation: Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Seed propagation is possible but slow.

Growth and Foliage

• Growth Rate: Ilex crenata 'Stokes' has a slow to moderate growth rate and can reach up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in height with a similar spread.
• Foliage: The small, glossy, dark green leaves resemble boxwood but are slightly more rounded. They provide year-round color and texture in the garden.
• Habit: Dense, rounded, and compact habit makes it perfect for hedging, edging, or container growing.
• Flowers and Berries: Inconspicuous white flowers in late spring, followed by small black berries in the fall, though not typically grown for its flowers or fruit.

Pests and Diseases

• Pests: Generally pest-free, though scale insects and spider mites may occasionally affect the plant. Treat infestations with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
• Diseases: Resistant to boxwood blight, making it a popular alternative to Buxus. However, root rot can occur in poorly drained soils, so ensure proper drainage.

Key Care Points

• Sunlight: Can tolerate full sun to partial shade; full sun encourages denser growth.
• Soil: Prefers acidic, well-drained soil but can adapt to various soil types, as long as drainage is adequate.
• Watering: Water regularly in the first year to establish deep roots. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during dry spells.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage denser growth. It responds well to pruning and is ideal for shaping.
• Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring, particularly one formulated for acid-loving plants.
• Mulching: Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, especially in hotter months.

By following these care tips, Ilex crenata 'Stokes' will make an excellent low-maintenance evergreen shrub or hedge that adds year-round structure and beauty to your landscape

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