Ilex crenata 'Glory Gem' Ball

Ilex crenata, also known as Japanese Holly, is a good alternative to box for making topiary pieces.  Evergreen with small glossy and deep green leaves, 'Glory Gem' is a slow and low growing evergreen shrub, which is hardy and tough.  Can grow to an eventual height and width of over 4m approximately, but usually topiarised to keep smaller, requiring using only one trim per year, it's an ideal shrub for formal topiary in a small garden.  Very hardy, suitable for most moist but well drained soils, in any situation in full sun or partial shade.