Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ (07/12/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full Sun to Shade
Flowering Period: Spring
Soil: Well Drained
Eventual Height: 6m
Eventual Spread: 4m
Hardiness: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Aquifoliaceae
Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ is an evergreen small tree or large shrub with an upright habit and pendulous crown. Its dark green leathery leaves have silver/ yellow margins, are broadly ovate with entire spiny margins, up to 6cm long and 4cm broad. Its bark is silver/ gray and smooth. This is a female variety of Holly and as such produces berries only if a male specimen is in the vicinity. Its white flowers are small in size and occur in clusters. The fruit is a small globules, red berry of 8 millimeters in diameter.
Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ Leaf (07/12/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ is commonly known as Weeping Silver Margined Holly.
The etymological root of the binomial name Ilex is derived from the old Latin name for this plant. Aquifolium is derived from the Latin acus ‘needle’ and floium ‘leaf’, in reference to the pointed leaves.
The landscape architect may find Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ useful as an evergreen small specimen tree. This particular variety produces red berries during the winter months and has a silver/ yellow edge to it’s leaves. Once established this plant is tolerant of maritime conditions.
Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ Fruit (07/12/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ flowers are attractive to pollinating insects including bees. Its berries are attractive to some birds. This plant provides shelter and protection from predators for birds.
Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ requires little to no maintenance.
Landscape Architecture
