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Ilex opaca

American holly

A large, upright, evergreen shrubby tree to a height of up to 15m, with oval-shaped soft matt olive-green or yellow-green, spiny or spine-free leaves. White flowers in late spring are followed by red, orange or sometimes yellow berries

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Sand
Loam
Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Neutral, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green Red Orange Yellow
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Aquifoliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Ilex can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees with often spiny leaves, small white flowers (male and female usually on separate plants) and, on female plants, showy berries in autumn

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, preferably neutral to acid soil in full sun or part shade. Not suited to chalky soils

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn or propagate by hardwood cuttings in January with bottom heat

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 1; trim hedges in early spring

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects, holly leaf miner and young shoots may be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to holly leaf blight, Phytophthora root rot and sometimes honey fungus

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