Ilex aquifolium - holly (Square vase 9x9x20 cm)

Genus that includes over 400 species of trees, shrubs and climbers, originating from the woods of tropical, subtropical and temperate regions, cultivated for their particularly elegant and pleasing to the eye leaves and brightly colored berries. Ilex aquifolium is a slow-growing and very long-lived evergreen shrub or small tree, up to 8-10 m tall (exceptionally 15 m in old plants). Dioecious plant, with straight trunk and dark green-brown bark. The dark green leaves are alternate, leathery, shiny on the top, elliptical-lanceolate with a wavy edge. In young individuals the margin is equipped with 6-8 spines per side, in old ones it is entire or with less developed spines. The flowers appear from April to May and are small, the female ones white and the male ones tinged with red, gathered in small groups in the axils of the leaves. The fruit ripens in October and remains throughout the winter. It is a subspherical drupe, 8-10 mm in diameter, red when ripe.

Pedoclimatic needs

It adapts to all types of soil, preferring fresh, acidic or sub-acid, fertile and humus-rich soil. It likes shaded or undergrowth positions. It tolerates minimum temperatures reaching -8°/-10°C. It adapts to being grown both in large pots and in hedge soil or as isolated individuals. Much appreciated in parks and gardens for the beauty of the foliage and the beautiful red berries, which persist on the plant until spring.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Ilex aquifolium

Family: Aquifoliaceae