Ilex
Discover Ilex at Proven Winners®! With Strongbux and Gembux, you have strong, evergreen shrubs that are perfect as boxwood substitutes. They grow compact and dense, maintaining their beautiful green colour all year round. Ideal for low hedges or neat shapes in the garden.
Ilex – strong, evergreen shrubs as a modern boxwood substitute
Ilex, better known as holly, has long proven that it is much more than the prickly shrub with red berries that we mainly know around Christmas. Modern varieties are compact, fresh green and surprisingly easy to maintain. They bring structure to the garden all year round and have therefore become a reliable alternative to boxwood. Within the Proven Winners® range, Ilex Gembux® is one of the most popular selections: stylish, healthy and easy to maintain.
What makes Ilex such a strong choice?
The secret of Ilex lies in its evergreen character and robust health. While boxwood has been increasingly affected by diseases and pests in recent years, Ilex remains fresh and reliable. Its compact growth ensures that it looks beautiful in both formal gardens with clean lines and natural borders.
The Proven Winners® selection Gembux® shows how powerful modern holly can be: hardy to around -25 °C, compact in size and uniform in growth. This gives you a shrub that proves its worth year after year.
The role of Ilex in your garden
If you want peace and structure in your garden, Ilex is an essential choice. In a border, it provides a green base that beautifully accentuates flowering plants. As a low hedge, it forms a neat, permanent boundary. And with a little pruning, it can easily be shaped into balls, blocks or other geometric accents. Ilex also provides a stylish, permanent green accent in pots or containers on a terrace or balcony.
Location: where does Ilex feel at home?
Ilex is surprisingly flexible. It grows well in full sun, but does just as well in light shade. What it needs most is soil that is sufficiently well-drained. When planting, a little compost helps to stimulate growth and rooting. Regular watering is important in the first few months; after that, Ilex can cope well with drier conditions. If planting it in a pot, it is best to use a spacious container with good drainage.
Maintenance that requires little effort
One of the reasons Ilex is so popular is how easy it is to maintain. Pruning in spring or early summer is enough to keep the shrub compact and in shape. Add some compost annually and give young plants extra water occasionally during dry summers. Other than that, Ilex pretty much takes care of itself. With minimal attention, it will remain a staple in your garden for years to come.
Gembux® & Strongbux®: Proven Winners® selections with class
Within the Proven Winners® range, Gembux® and Strongbux® are the duo for those who want a boxwood look without the familiar problems of box tree moths and box blight. Both are compact Ilex selections with small, glossy leaves, strong health and dense branching that stays neatly shaped with minimal pruning. Gembux® stands out for its finer leaf structure and very neat, even growth – ideal for neat edges, balls or low boxes. Strongbux® is the robust all-rounder with a full, uniform appearance; perfect for low hedges and topiary where you want a quick, even, fresh look. Together, they offer the classic boxwood look, but with the reliability and durability that Proven Winners® is known for.
FAQ
What is Ilex used for in the garden?
Ilex is an excellent alternative to boxwood and is often used for low hedges, balls, blocks or as a neat topiary plant in pots.
How often should Ilex be pruned?
One pruning per year is usually sufficient. Do this in spring or early summer to maintain its compact shape.
Can Ilex grow in the shade?
Yes, Ilex grows well in full sun but also tolerates partial shade, making it versatile for use in different gardens.
Is Ilex evergreen?
Yes, Ilex is evergreen and retains its leaves and deep green colour throughout all seasons.
Which Ilex varieties are the strongest?
Within the Proven Winners® range, Ilex Gembux® and Strongbux® are known for their compact growth, refined leaf structure and robust health. These selections are reliable, low-maintenance and remain in good shape for years.