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ilex plant

The ilex plant, often known as holly, is a versatile evergreen shrub or small tree loved by gardeners across New Zealand for its attractive foliage, architectural form, and – in many varieties – those iconic red berries that add winter garden interest. With its year-round appeal, the ilex plant is a favourite choice for hedging, screening, and standout feature planting. Whether you’re seeking a classic, English garden look or a modern, low-maintenance landscape, the wide range of ilex cultivars means there’s a perfect option for every outdoor space.

A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.

Ilex crenata 'Convexa'

5 from 1 customers

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 alternative to buxus, this hardy plant provides year round structure and neat formality in New Zealand gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.75 m
Spread: 1.75 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock, White
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.

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
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Ilex crenata 'Mariesii' foliage.
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Ilex 'Blue Prince'

Ilex 'Blue Prince' is a handsome evergreen holly grown for its glossy blue green foliage, dense branching, and outstanding performance as a hedge or...

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An Ilex 'Blue Angel' shrub with glossy, dark green foliage and red berries.
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Ilex 'JC Van Tol' foliage and berries.
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Ilex 'Silver Queen' foliage.
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An Ilex crenata 'Fastigata' small specimen tree.
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Ilex crenata 'Convexa'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Clianthus, Ilex, and Quercus, or related Categories - Plant pots, Indoor Plants, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search ilex plant

Why Choose an Ilex Plant for Your Garden?

Ilex plants are prized for their dense, glossy leaves that stay lush no matter the season, as well as their tolerance to pruning and shaping. Many varieties are also highly resistant to common pests and diseases, making them a reliable backbone for any garden. Formal gardens often showcase the ilex plant as structured hedging or topiary, while naturalistic plantings use them to create textured, evergreen backdrops.

Popular Ilex Varieties

With so many species and cultivars available, finding the right ilex plant for your needs is easy. Some standouts include:

Planting and Care Tips

To keep your ilex plant healthy and happy, choose a spot with well-drained soil that receives either full sun or partial shade. Ilex plants are tolerant of a range of conditions but will thrive with regular moisture, especially during dry spells. Most varieties handle pruning well, allowing you to create everything from tight, formal hedges to soft, informal shapes.

A light trim in late winter or early spring is typically all that’s needed to encourage bushy new growth and maintain your desired form. Mulching around the base can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, while an annual dose of general purpose fertiliser will promote lush, green leaves.

Ilex Plants for Every Garden Style

Whether you prefer the formal style of Ilex crenata Fastigiata or the classic look of Ilex aquifolium, ilex plants offer year-round structure, low-maintenance elegance, and adaptability. Explore the full range to find the perfect holly for your New Zealand garden, and enjoy an evergreen investment that delivers beauty and function every season.


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.

–The Plant Company

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