Ilex verticillata (f)
A large, suckering, deciduous shrub, about 2-3m tall, with bright green, oval to lance-shaped, toothed leaves, turning yellow in autumn. Clusters of small white flowers in mid-spring, are followed by masses of long-lasting, bright red, sometimes orange or yellow berries if pollinated by a male plant nearby; berries often persisting into winter
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow | Orange Red Yellow | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Aquifoliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Suckering
- 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 neutral to acid soil in a sunny or part-shaded position. Not suited to chalky soils
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn to midwinter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
- 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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