About
Ilex aquifolium 'Variegata' is an upright evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach heights of up to 9 meters. Its leaves are characterized by their spiny texture and rich green color, accented with creamy-white edges. In spring, this variety produces clusters of white flowers, followed by abundant red berries in autumn on female plants, provided there is a male for pollination.
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
- Loam, Sand, Clay, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
- 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
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Architectural, Coastal, 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 well-drained soil in a sunny position. 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