Overview
Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King' is a shrub in the genus Ilex, part of the Aquifoliaceae family. Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include hedging, borders and foundation planting.
About
Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King' (Golden King Holly) is a shrub cultivar within the genus Ilex, which comprises over 570 species of flowering plants in the Aquifoliaceae family. This cultivar thrives in well-drained, moist soil with an acidic to neutral pH and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and tolerates both sheltered and exposed conditions, including urban environments. Often used for hedging, borders, and foundation planting, 'Golden King' requires light pruning after flowering to maintain its shape. Note that it is toxic and propagation is by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
About the genus
Ilex or holly is a genus of over 570 species of flowering plants in the family Aquifoliaceae, and the only living genus in that family. Ilex has the most species of any woody dioecious angiosperm genus. The species are evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers from tropics to temperate zones worldwide.
Wikipedia contributors, "Holly", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Holly
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ilex
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Exposure
- sheltered, exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Suggested uses
- hedging, borders, foundation planting
- Toxicity
- toxic
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained, moist soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates urban conditions.
- Pruning
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
- Propagation
- semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King'?
Prefers well-drained, moist soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates urban conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King'?
Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.
What soil does Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King' need?
Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers acidic and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King'?
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King' hardy in the UK?
Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King'?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Is Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King' toxic?
Toxic.
More in the Ilex genus
- Ilex 'Clusterberry' (f)
- Ilex 'Lydia Morris' (f)Holly
- Ilex serrata
- Ilex verticillata 'Winter Gold' (f)Winterberry
