This bushy evergreen shrub can be tightly clipped into almost any shape, so will make a really viable alternative to box (Buxus). This is particularly useful if your existing box plants have been affected by blight, which has become more widespread over the last few years. This Ilex has small (to 2cm long), slightly glossy green leaves, and may develop rounded black fruits in autumn. Tolerant of shade and urban pollution, this is a tough, long-lived and versatile plant.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moist, well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich soilRate of growth: slow to averageFlowering period: MayHardiness: fully hardyBall on a stemSold in a 15 litre pot.