ILEX CRENATA GLORY GEM

Ilex crenata ‘Glory Gem’ is an evergreen variety with a compact and regular appearance, belonging to the Japanese holly group. It stands out for its naturally dense shape and for its small, dark green foliage, slightly more rounded than other cultivars of the same group. The leaves are thornless and resemble boxwood in shape and arrangement, making this plant a valid alternative in contexts where a formal and tidy effect is desired but with greater resistance to fungal diseases. The growth of ‘Glory Gem’ is slow and constant, with a contained and well-branched development from a young age. It can reach a height of about one and a half meters, maintaining a similar width, without the need for frequent pruning to maintain a harmonious shape. When pruned, it responds vigorously and easily maintains geometric shapes, making it ideal for low hedges, regular borders, topiary and pot cultivation. In spring, small, discreet but melliferous creamy white flowers appear, followed in autumn by decorative black berries, which often remain on the plant during the winter. It is a rustic and resistant variety, which prefers acid or sub-acid, well-drained soils, and adapts well to both full sun and partial shade. It tolerates air pollution, which makes it suitable for use in urban contexts. Ilex crenata ‘Glory Gem’ is characterised by its reliability, constant aesthetic yield and ease of management, making it a balanced choice for those who want an elegant, compact and versatile evergreen plant, capable of adapting to both contemporary green spaces and more traditional systems.