About
Ilex aquifolium 'Elegantissima' is a compact, evergreen tree that reaches approximately 4 meters in height, characterized by its green stems. The leaves are oval with wavy edges, featuring noticeable spines; they exhibit a pink hue when young, transitioning to a dark green with subtle marbling as they mature, along with creamy-white edges. In late spring, it produces small white flowers that are primarily male, making it an excellent pollinator for female varieties.
About the genus
Ilex consists of shrubs and trees that can either be deciduous or evergreen. They typically feature leaves with a spiny texture, produce small white flowers (with male and female blooms usually found on different plants), and the female specimens bear prominent berries in the fall.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Toxicity
- 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
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Although partial shade is suitable, variegated cultivars have better leaf colour in full sun
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1; trim hedges in early spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn or propagate by hardwood cuttings in January with bottom heat
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects, holly leaf miner and young shoots may be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to holly leaf blight, Phytophthora root rot and sometimes honey fungus