Ilex aquifolium 'J.C. van Tol' - P9

Description
The Common holly 'J.C. van Tol' (Ilex aquifolium) is a sprawling, overhanging large shrub with decorative, red fruits that stay on for a very long time. It produces creamy white flowers from May to June. The Common holly 'J.C. van Tol' also has shiny, lanceolate, dark green leaves. The purple-red 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.

Synonym
Synonyms (botanical): Ilex aquifolium polycarpa.

Bulletpoints
* Fruiting ornament * self-fertile * tolerates pruning * purple-red shoots * smoky-hardy, cannot be grown over

Leaves
The evergreen leaves of Common holly 'J.C. van Tol' are dark green, lanceolate, glossy, alternate, toothed. They are about 3 - 8 cm in size. Purple-red shoots.

Spread
Netherlands.

Frost hardiness
The Common holly 'J.C. van Tol' has good frost hardiness.

Growth
Common holly 'J.C. van Tol' is a sprawling and overhanging large shrub with an opaque crown. It usually reaches a height of 6 - 8 m and is approx. 3 - 4 m wide. Slow-growing. Usually grows 15 - 20 cm per year.

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 ground 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.

Fertiliser varieties
The plant is considered self-fertile.

Flower
The creamy white flowers appear from May to June.

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

Interesting facts
Plant or parts of the plant are poisonous.

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

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