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ilex hedge

An ilex hedge is a classic, versatile solution for New Zealand gardens seeking elegance, privacy, and year-round structure. Ilex, commonly known as holly, offers dense foliage, tough resilience, and the ability to be shaped into crisp lines or soft curves, making it an ideal choice for hedging. Whether you want to create a formal boundary, windbreak, or wildlife-friendly feature, an ilex hedge adds both beauty and functionality to your landscape. Explore the range of ilex varieties and discover which holly is right for your next outdoor project.

Ilex crenata 'Helleri' shrubs in a border garden.

Ilex crenata 'Helleri'

5 from 1 customers

Ilex crenata ‘Helleri’ is a compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub with small, glossy green leaves and a dense, mounding habit. Resembling boxwood in appearance, it’s ideal for low hedges, edging, or formal borders in New Zealand gardens. This hardy variety thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil.

From $27.53

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 75 cm
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Paths & Steps, Pool areas, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Ilex 'Largo' plant with lush, dark green foliage.

Ilex 'Largo'

5 from 2 customers

Ilex ‘Largo’ is a bold, evergreen holly variety known for its dense, glossy green foliage and broad, upright growth habit. It forms a tidy shrub that’s ideal for hedging, screening, or adding structure to gardens. ‘Largo’ is low maintenance and responds well to trimming, making it easy to shape.

From $136.04

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.
Ilex crenata 'Convexa'

Ilex crenata 'Convexa' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its small glossy dark green leaves and naturally dense growth habit. Often used as an...

From$27.53
ilex-aquifolium-angustifolia-male-
Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia'

Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia' is an elegant evergreen holly admired for its narrow dark green leaves and dense upright growth habit. This hardy...

From$136.04
A large and showy Quercus ilex specimen tree in a field.
Quercus ilex

Quercus ilex, commonly known as the Holm Oak or Evergreen Oak, is an evergreen tree with lush foliage. The dark green leaves are glossy and...

From$270.40
ligustrum-rotundifolium-4
Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' (Japanese Privet) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its rounded glossy green leaves and dense compact growth habit...

From$24.77
Buxus 'Silver Beauty' plant with dark green and yellow variegated foliage.
Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood)

Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty', commonly known as Box Hedge, features small leaves that are dark green with irregular, cream-silver margins, and...

From$99.95
Ilex 'Sky Pencil' shrubs with elegant, green foliage growing against a wall.
Ilex 'Sky Pencil'

Ilex ‘Sky Pencil’ is a striking, upright holly prized for its narrow, columnar shape that adds vertical interest to gardens. This evergreen shrub...

From$27.53
Buxus sempervirens perfectly manicured balls.
Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood)

Buxus sempervirens, commonly known as English Box or Box Hedge, is a classic evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for formal hedging and topiary...

From$12.95
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$99.95
Corokia 'Little Prince' plants with grey stems and small green leaves at The Plant Company nursery.
Corokia 'Little Prince'

Corokia 'Little Prince' is a small and twiggy, NZ native shrub that features small, grey-brown leaves and black stems. The slim, intertwined stems...

From$13.95
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

From$22.01
Griselinia 'Canterbury' hedge with lush green foliage.
Griselinia 'Canterbury'

Griselinia 'Canterbury' is a compact New Zealand native shrub prized for its bright green foliage held on attractive red-brown stems. It forms a...

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' plants with lush, green foliage.
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime'

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' is a bright and eye catching honeysuckle valued for its vivid lime foliage and compact, tidy habit. This hardy shrub...

From$16.95
Choisya ternata with lush foliage and white flowers.
Choisya ternata (Mexican Mock Orange)

Choisya ternata, commonly known as Mexican Orange Blossom, is a lush, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy green foliage and clusters of fragrant...

From$24.77
Dodonaea viscosa small tree with green foliage.
Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake)

Dodonaea viscosa, commonly known as the Green Ake Ake, features lush, bright green leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$13.95
Griselinia Broadway Mint hedge with lush, green foliage.
Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia Broadway Mint, commonly known as NZ Broadleaf, is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub prized for its dense, glossy...

From$12.95
westringia-aussie-box-
Westringia 'Aussie Box'

Westringia 'Aussie Box' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense bright green foliage, naturally rounded habit, and small white flowers that...

From$18.95
A Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' hedge with fresh-green foliage.
Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box)

Buxus microphylla Japonica, commonly known as Japanese box hedge, grows about twice as fast as English box (Buxus sempervirens). The foliage is also...

From$99.95
Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price' plant with pink flower buds above lush, dark green foliage.
Viburnum Eve Price

Viburnum 'Eve Price' is a compact, evergreen shrub admired for its flowers, foliage, and tidy form. It features dark green foliage, pink buds in...

From$27.53
grevillea-clearview-david-
Grevillea 'Clearview David'

Grevillea 'Clearview David' is a vigorous evergreen shrub known for its attractive foliage and masses of soft coloured flowers. Flowering over a long...

From$24.95
feijoa-pounamu-
Feijoa 'Pounamu'

Feijoa 'Pounamu' is an early-season variety that produces medium-sized fruit with a thin, smooth skin. The flesh is sweet and juicy and has a tangy...

From$35.81
Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' hedge.
Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald'

Griselinia Ardmore Emerald is a lush, NZ-native shrub known for its glossy, deep green foliage and dense, upright growth. It typically reaches 3-4...

From$18.95
A well trimmed Ficus Tuffy hedge with lush green foliage.
Ficus Tuffi

Ficus 'Tuffi', also known as Ficus Tuffy, is a dense, upright evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for hedging and screening. It features glossy...

From$12.95
Corokia 'Sunsplash' shrub with yellow foliage in a garden.
Corokia 'Sunsplash'

Corokia 'Sunsplash' is a NZ native shrub grown for its impressive foliage. It features small leaves that are variegated yellow with a central splash...

From$17.95
Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist' small, green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist'

Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist' is a NZ native shrub with small, olive-green leaves held densely on narrow, black stems. This evergreen typically grows to...

From$22.01
Photinia 'Red Robin' hedge with colourful foliage.
Photinia 'Red Robin'

Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is a popular evergreen shrub renowned for its vibrant red new growth, which contrasts beautifully with the mature glossy green...

From$18.95
Corokia 'Geenty's Green' hedge.
Corokia 'Geenty's Green'

Corokia 'Geenty's Green' is a hardy, NZ native shrub that bears narrow, olive-green leaves that have a silver underside. Masses of small, star-like...

From$17.95
A Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' plant in a garden.
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon'

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' is an evergreen shrub often used instead of Buxus for hedges. It carries dense, upright branches that host small and...

From$16.95
Camellia Setsugekka hedge in full flower.
Camellia 'Setsugekka'

Camellia 'Setsugekka' is a sasanqua variety with large, semi-double, white flowers with wavy, fluted petals and a yellow centre. These contrast...

From$27.95
A magnificant Photinia 'Super Hedge' hedge.
Photinia 'Super Hedge'

Photinia 'Super Hedge' features bright and colourful foliage with bright red new growth. This foliage ages to become mid-dark green, resulting in a...

From$24.95
ilex-hendersonii-1
Ilex 'Hendersonii'

Ilex 'Hendersonii' is an attractive evergreen holly valued for its glossy dark green foliage, dense growth habit, and colourful berries that provide...

OUT OF STOCK
Ilex crenata 'Helleri'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Buxus, Dodonaea, and Ilex, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

Search ilex hedge

Why Choose an Ilex Hedge?

Ilex hedges are prized for their evergreen nature, providing a lush, green backdrop regardless of the season. With their small or spiny leaves, ilex hedges deter unwanted visitors and offer excellent privacy screening. These hedges are tolerant of a range of soils and can thrive in sun or partial shade. Their adaptability makes them a favoured option from urban gardens to rural properties across New Zealand. In addition, ilex plants are easy to maintain, respond well to regular trimming, and can be shaped to suit a variety of hedge styles, from low edging to tall, substantial barriers.

Best Ilex Varieties for Hedging

There are several ilex species and cultivars perfect for hedging, each offering unique characteristics. The classic Ilex aquifolium delivers traditional holly features—spiny leaves, robust growth, and ornamental berries that attract native birds. For tighter, compact hedges, the Japanese holly varieties such as Ilex crenata Helleri and Ilex crenata Fastigiata provide finer foliage and a softer appearance, excellent for modern or Asian-inspired landscapes.

Looking for a bold, architectural statement? Ilex Hendersonii offers strong upright growth, making it ideal for taller hedges and formal borders. For a vigorous, reliable option, Ilex Largo stands out with glossy foliage and a fast growth rate, perfect for privacy screens or wind protection across exposed sites.

Planting and Caring for Your Ilex Hedge

Establishing a healthy ilex hedge starts with spacing. Plant holly shrubs at intervals that allow their roots to develop and foliage to interlock, usually 50-80cm apart depending on the variety. Water deeply during the first year, ensuring moist but not waterlogged soil. Mulching around the base helps preserve moisture and suppress weeds. Feed with a balanced garden fertiliser each spring for lush growth.

Pruning is straightforward and rewarding. Shear your ilex hedge lightly in late summer to maintain shape and encourage dense growth; more significant restructuring is best done in winter while the plant is dormant. Most ilex varieties are tough, withstanding New Zealand's climatic fluctuations and holding their form beautifully even in windier regions.

Transform Your Garden with Ilex Hedge

If you're looking for a hedge that combines durability, beauty, and easy maintenance, an ilex hedge is a superb choice. Browse our collection of holly varieties—from the classic Ilex aquifolium to the sleek Ilex crenata Fastigiata—and find the perfect fit for your garden. Planting an ilex hedge is an investment in your landscape, delivering structure, colour, and wildlife interest all year long.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
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–The Plant Company

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