Ilex chinensis Sims
Evergreen tree to about 15m in height, with a narrow, conical habit, glossy slender mid-green leaves, and small purplish-pink flowers in late spring and early summer followed by abundant dark red fruits in autumn
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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 soil in a sunny or part-shaded position with shelter from cold winds
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn to midwinter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
See pruning group 1
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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.