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photo of Mike Farrow

Meet the Breeder

Mike Farrow
Maryland, USA

PATTI O BOX®

Holly - Japanese

Ilex crenata

'FarrowSK6'

PP#25,852

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Pair of Patti O Ilex crenata in terra cotta planters on front porch
  • Evergreen
  • Versatile habit
  • Shade tolerant
Description

Another great plant from Maryland plantsman Mike Farrow! Narrower than its sister Sky Box®, Patti O Box® holly has glossier foliage and the same space-saving fastigiate habit. Much darker than typical I. crenata, this petite evergreen is perfectly scaled for smaller gardens and patios, hence its name. Please note: this is the same plant that has been sold as Patti O®; it has been renamed to Patti O Box to designate it as a boxwood alternative.

USDA Zone
6 - 8 (-10°F/-23°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
4 - 5'
Width
1 - 2'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Evergreen
Bloom Time
Spring
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

Soil

Ideally, grow in moist acidic soils with good drainage. Tolerates urban conditions well, however.

Pruning

Seldom needed, but may be shaped in early summer if desired.

Uses

Superlative as a specimen or space-saving hedge. Very nice in containers, too.

Growing Tips

Maintains its narrow, columnar shape with little to no pruning. Chlorosis may occur on alkaline soils. Grows in shade, but color and form are best with some sun.

  • Spec Sheet: Patti O Box® Ilex Spec Sheet
  • Benchcard: Patti O Box™ Ilex Benchcard
  • Tag: Patti O Box™ Ilex Tag
  • Grower Sheet: Patti O Box™ Ilex Grower Sheet
  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week December 26, 2019
  • Boxwood Liners

    • Features: Evergreen, Winter interest, Clay soil, Salt tolerant

    Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Holly - Japanese, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Evergreen, Winter interest, Clay soil, Salt tolerant

    Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Holly - Japanese, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage