Overview
Ilex laevigata is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ilex, part of the Aquifoliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Ilex laevigata 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 laevigata, commonly known as smooth winterberry, is a bushy evergreen shrub belonging to the Aquifoliaceae family. As a member of the Ilex genus, it features the typical small white flowers and female plants bear prominent berries in the fall. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade, preferring moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils with a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is suitable for various garden settings including city, coastal, cottage, and wildlife gardens, providing winter interest and low maintenance appeal.
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 laevigata 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 laevigata
- 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 laevigata?
Ilex laevigata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ilex laevigata need?
Ilex laevigata 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 laevigata hardy in the UK?
Ilex laevigata 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 laevigata?
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 canariensis
- Ilex ciliospinosa
- Ilex crenata 'Bennett's Compact' (m)
- Ilex crenata 'Chato'
- Ilex crenata 'David Ellis'
- Ilex crenata 'Howard's Compact' (m)
- Ilex integra
