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Ilex Crenata Depth

ddo101ddo101 Posts: 31
in Plants
Hi. Looking for opinions/advice.  I've recently planted what I want to become a low hedge using ilex crenata as a border around a perennial bed.  I am wondering if I planted the ilex deep enough.  I planted them so the root ball level is in line with the level whilst in the pots I bought them in (I bought 6-packs) to avoid risk of mould/rot.  But I'm worried that there will be triangular spaces between the plants rather than the full low hedging look I am attempting.  I think this is more because I didn't space them closely enough (I spent as much as I was willing) but wondering if I can/should plant a bit deeper to compensate.  I'm thinking they'll grow more upright, rather than outward, or rather in line with the angles of the stems as they are.  Once the perennials grow and fill in, I think it'll be less obvious as there'll be less visible soil, but I know this is my only chance to correct having only just planted yesterday.  Appreciate your thoughts!

Posts

  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    Your spacing looks about right to me.  Its best not to plant too close, as the plants just compete with one another, and grow less vigorously.  To get rid of those gaps between the plants, especially near the bottom, there are two things you need to do.

    1) Keep the height of the plants reasonably low to start with, via several prunings per year.  This will force the plant to put on thicker growth lower down.
    2) Try to have a "batter" on your hedge.  This is where you cut the outer faces of the hedge at an angle.  The hedge should be narrower at the top, and wider at the bottom.  This allows more light to reach the bottom of the hedge, which encourages thicker growth.

    Even if you want some height, be patient and encourage thicker growth to start with.  Once it's nice and dense all over, then do less pruning of the top of the hedge, to get to the final height you desire.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Everything @KeenOnGreen has said is excellent advice. 
    They're tiny plants, and they'll take a while to be bushy anyway.
    I wonder though - you might find they'll be too big for bordering such a small bed. I'm not sure you can keep them as narrow as box, but I might be wrong.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • ddo101ddo101 Posts: 31
    Many thanks for the advice, @KeenOnGreen.  I'm feeling more comfortable with the approach.  @Fairygirl, yes, I did consider they may eventually get too large, but unfortunately, we have a major problem with box tree moth caterpillar here in South East London, so opted for an alternative with a similar look.  I should have a few years' at least, so will see how I get on.  Thanks, both.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It's certainly a huge problem now - the caterpillar, so it's a good idea to pick an alternative.
    There are some very small, fine leaved Hebes which could work too, and they don't grow too big, but slightly more difficult to keep as a 'square' hedge. Euonymous can work too, and the shrubby honeysuckles, so there's certainly some choices out there.
    Good luck anyway!   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    Ilex crenata should prune without any problem.
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    That's good to know @Silver surfer. I was concerned that it wouldn't be suitable  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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