Ilex aquif. 'Nellie R. Stevens' - P8

Description
The Stechpalme 'Elegantissima' (Ilex aquifolium) is a sprawling, pyramidal large shrub with decorative, red fruits that stay on for a very long time. It produces creamy white flowers from May to June. The Stechpalme 'Elegantissima' also has glossy, lanceolate, dark green leaves with a creamy white margin. The pink-green shoots are also an interesting sight. In a semi-shady to shady, wind-protected location with well-drained, humus-rich, nutrient-rich soil, it usually reaches a height of around 8 metres and grows to around 4 metres wide.

Bulletpoints
* Fruiting ornament * beautiful foliage * tolerates pruning * pink-green shoots * smoky-hardy

leaves
High leaf ornamental value. The evergreen leaves of the Stechpalme 'Elegantissima' are dark green, lanceolate, glossy, alternate, toothed and have a creamy white margin. They are around 3 - 8 cm in size. Pink-green shoots.

Spread
Europe.

Frost hardiness
The Stechpalme 'Elegantissima' has good frost hardiness.

Growth
Stechpalme 'Elegantissima' is a large shrub that grows sprawling and pyramidal. It usually reaches a height of 4 - 8 m and is approx. 2.5 - 4 m wide.

Water
The plant has a medium water requirement.

Pruning
This plant is tolerant of pruning.

Location
Preferred location in semi-shady to shady, wind-protected position.

Soil
Normal soil.

Planting time
Container plants can be planted all year round, except when the soil is frozen and in summer heat (over 30°C).

Care
- Cut and saw wounds as well as broken branches should be treated with a wound sealant as soon as possible to prevent pathogens from entering the plant. - A slow-release fertiliser can be used in spring. This releases the nutrients slowly and continuously so that the plant is evenly supplied over a longer period of time.

Flower
The creamy white flowers appear from May to June.

Fruit
The red drupes of Ilex aquifolium 'Elegantissima' are particularly decorative. These appear from October and are very long-lasting.

Worth knowing
Plant or parts of the plant are poisonous.

Use
Hedge (pruning), solitary, group planting, topiary, bird food plant

Root
Ilex aquifolium 'Elegantissima' is a deep-rooting plant and, depending on the soil, forms finely branched roots.