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.
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.
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
