Overview
Ilex x altaclerensis 'Howick' (f/v) is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ilex, part of the Aquifoliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Ilex x altaclerensis 'Howick' (f/v) 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 x altaclerensis 'Howick' is an evergreen shrub cultivar within the Ilex genus, known for its bushy habit. As a member of the Aquifoliaceae family, it thrives in fertile, well-drained soils ranging from loam to sand and tolerates a wide pH spectrum from acid to alkaline. This cultivar is hardy to UK zone H6 and performs well in full sun or partial shade, making it suitable for various garden aspects including south, west, and east-facing positions. It is ideal for city and courtyard gardens, coastal areas, and wildlife-friendly spaces, offering interest primarily in spring and summer.
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 x altaclerensis 'Howick' (f/v) 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 x altaclerensis 'Howick' (f/v)
- 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 x altaclerensis 'Howick' (f/v)?
Ilex x altaclerensis 'Howick' (f/v) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ilex x altaclerensis 'Howick' (f/v) need?
Ilex x altaclerensis 'Howick' (f/v) 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 x altaclerensis 'Howick' (f/v) hardy in the UK?
Ilex x altaclerensis 'Howick' (f/v) 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 x altaclerensis 'Howick' (f/v)?
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
