Ilex aquifolium - 30-40 CM

Description
The Holly (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 Holly also has shiny, lanceolate, dark green leaves. In a semi-shady to shady, wind-protected location with well-drained, humus-rich, nutrient-rich soil, it usually reaches a height of around 6 metres and grows to a width of around 5 metres.

Bulletpoints
* Fruiting ornament * tolerates pruning * Smoke-hardy, cannot be built over

leaves
The evergreen leaves of Holly are dark green, lanceolate, glossy, alternate, toothed. They are about 3 - 8 cm in size.

Spread
Europe.

Frost hardiness
The Holly has good frost hardiness.

Growth
Spreading, pyramidal.

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 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 is a deep-rooting plant and, depending on the soil, forms finely branched roots.