Ilex, planting guide and care work
Ilex aquifolium (common holly, European holly) is a species of shrubs in the Aquifoliaceae family, native to Southwestern Europe, Northern Africa, and Southwestern Asia. It is specific to shady areas in deciduous forests and it can rarely grow as a size III tree. It is a shrub that easily adapts to different environmental conditions and is preferred for reforestation. In some countries, the holly grows spontaneously. It is planted for decorative purposes in parks and gardens, being appreciated for its evergreen foliage. The leaves are oval or oval-elongated, stiff, green, glossy on the topside, and light green, mat on the underside. The edge of the leaves is serrated, with thorns. The flowers grow in clusters, are white, small, appear at the axils of the leaves in May-June. Female plants produce red, spherical, small fruits, developed on the plant during the cold season.
Species and cultivars
Besides Ilex aquifolium, another species used as an outdoor decorative shrub is Ilex crenata. It originates from Japan and can be distinguished by its very branched appearance, elliptical leaves, crenate edges, and black fruits.
Cultivars:
‘J.C. van Tol’ – it has a wide growth, with a plant diameter of 4 m.
‘Pyramidalis’ – the crown is conical in shape, and the basal leaves are more thorny.
‘Albomarginata’ – the leaves have cream-white edges.
‘Golden Queen’ – it is a male plant and it has elliptical leaves, with golden edges.
‘Golden King’ – it is a female plant with has oval leaves, with golden edges.
Environmental conditions
Light. It has no special requirements for light, it can also withstand direct light, but it prefers partial shade.
Temperature. Even if it is a decorative plant specific to the cold season, the holly is sensitive to frost in very cold winters, so it should be placed in areas protected from strong winds. Ilex crenata is a frost-resistant species.
Soil. It can withstand many types of soil, even clayey ones. For optimal growth, it needs damp, fertile, slightly acidic soil. Prolonged droughts can affect it.
Fertilization
In order to stimulate the rich growth of trees and shrubs, during the vegetative growth period, it is recommended to apply specific fertilizers.
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Pruning
It can withstand periodic shape correction cuts.
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Planting
It can be done in spring or autumn, during the vegetative dormancy period, at temperatures above 5° C, if the soil is not frozen and there is no danger of frost. Make sure you buy the planting material from authorized nurseries. Immediately after planting, water abundantly, then keep the soil always moist.
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Propagation
Holly shrubs can be propagated through seeds, grafting, cuttings, layering.
- in the case of seed propagation, the plants are difficult to obtain, because sprouting can take up to 3 years.
- Ilex grafting is a rare method of propagation. This must be done in the greenhouse by specialized people.
- layering must be done in a damp soil with a high peat content.
- cuttings should be harvested in summer, with portions of semi-lignified shoots, which have to be rooted in hotbeds.
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In addition:
- cultivars with variegated foliage do not tolerate direct sunlight during the winter.
- it is used as a shrub or as solitary tree, and in hedges.
- specimens planted in pots should be kept indoors in winter, in a room or on a cool balcony.
- holly fruits can be toxic to children or small animals.