Overview
Ilex canariensis is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ilex, part of the Aquifoliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Ilex canariensis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and garden edging.
About
Ilex canariensis is a bushy evergreen cultivar of the Ilex genus, which includes shrubs and trees often bearing spiny leaves and small white flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for a range of soil types, including loam and sand, with acid to alkaline pH, provided the soil is moist but well-drained. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is well suited to various garden settings such as city, coastal, cottage, and wildlife gardens. It is best planted in well-drained soil, and propagation can be achieved through semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or hardwood cuttings in winter.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ilex
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Ilex canariensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Garden edging
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ilex canariensis
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn, Hardwood cuttings in January with bottom heat
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, Holly leaf miner, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Holly leaf blight, Phytophthora root rot, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ilex canariensis?
Ilex canariensis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ilex canariensis need?
Ilex canariensis grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Ilex canariensis hardy in the UK?
Ilex canariensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Ilex canariensis?
Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn, Hardwood cuttings in January with bottom heat.
More in the Ilex genus
- Ilex aquifolium 'Lucifer' (f)
- Ilex ciliospinosa
- Ilex crenata 'Bennett's Compact' (m)
- Ilex crenata 'Chato'
- Ilex crenata 'David Ellis'
- Ilex crenata 'Howard's Compact' (m)
- Ilex integra
- Ilex macrocarpa
