Ilex aquifolium Flower (05/05/2012, Kew, London)
Position: Sun to shade
Flowering period: Late spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 20m
Eventual Spread: 10m
Hardiness: 6a – 10b
Family: Aquifoliaceae
Ilex aquifolium is a slow growing, long lived, evergreen, columnar/ pyramidal large shrub/ small tree. Its dark green, shiny, leathery leaves are simple, opposite, are ovate with spiny margins, up to 9cm long and 5cm broad and variable in shape. As the tree matures the new leaves have a tendency to not have spines and are entire. The leaves persist on the tree for approximately 5 years. Its trunk may achieve a diameter of up to 80cm and its bark is gray and smooth. Its flowers are dioecious, white, four lobed, cross shaped and are arranged in cymes. Its fruit is a bright red drupe, up to 1cm across and persists throughout the winter months.
Ilex aquifolium (05/05/2012, Kew, London)
Ilex aquifolium, commonly known as European Holly, English Holly or just Holly, is native to western and southern Europe (including the UK), northwest Africa and southwest Asia. In its native habitatat it is found as an understory tree or shrub in Oak and Beech woodlands. It is widespread and common throughout Britain and is considered to be a pioneer species. Ilex aquifolium is considered to be an invasive species on the west coast of the USA.
The etymological root of the binomial name Ilex is derived from the old Latin name for the Holly. Aquifolium is derived from the Latin acus ’needle’ and floium ’leaf’, in reference to the pointed leaves.
The landscape architect may find Ilex aquifolium useful to specify in wildlife gardens. It also forms an effective impenetrable hedge when planted as a single species or may be planted as part of a native mixed hedge in more rural locations. It is particularly useful in shady locations.
Ilex aquifolium Leaf (05/05/2012, Kew, London)
Ecologically, I. aquifolium flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. The berries are attractive to numerous bird species. The canopy of this shrub forms an effective shelter for nesting birds.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given I. aquifolium their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
I. aquifolium prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil, although it prefers acid soils.
I. aquifolium requires little maintenance. If maintaining as a hedge it should be cut in autumn, if necessary it may also be cut in mid summer.
