Overview
Ilex serrata is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ilex, part of the Aquifoliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Ilex serrata 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. It is native to China South-Central, China Southeast and Japan.
About
Ilex serrata is an evergreen shrub in the holly family native to parts of China and Japan. It forms a well-branched, multi-stemmed outline and flowers in April to May. The species accepts a wide range of soil pH and prefers moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils. It adapts to full sun or partial shade and suits exposed as well as sheltered sites.
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
In the garden
Ilex serrata is an evergreen member of Aquifoliaceae originating from south-central and south-east China and Japan. As a shrub it develops a multi-stemmed habit with year-round foliage, and it comes into bloom in the UK between April and May. Sit plants in full sun or partial shade on loam or sandy ground that remains moist but drains freely; the species tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline soils. Choose a south-, west- or east-facing aspect for best leaf retention, and it will cope in both exposed coastal spots and more sheltered garden corners. The hardiness rating H6 equates to very hardy in UK terms and means plants survive typical winter conditions without need for winter protection. Ilex serrata works well in city and courtyard gardens, coastal schemes, cottage and informal planting, and as low-maintenance edging or a wildlife-friendly shrub. It provides evergreen structure along flower borders and beds and fits readily into wildlife gardens where year-round foliar cover is wanted. Leaves hold the plant’s shape through winter, making it useful where permanent screening or framework is required.
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 serrata 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
- Native to
- China South-Central, China Southeast, Japan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ilex serrata
- 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 serrata?
Ilex serrata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ilex serrata need?
Ilex serrata 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 serrata hardy in the UK?
Ilex serrata 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 serrata?
Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn, Hardwood cuttings in January with bottom heat.
