About
White flowers, in spring or early summer, are followed by abundant bright red fruit on this female cultivar if pollinated by a male cultivar. 'James G. Esson' is a large evergreen shrub, or small tree, with an open pyramidal habit with glossy, variably spiny, dark-green foliage on purple stems.
About the genus
Ilex can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees with often spiny leaves, small white flowers (male and female usually on separate plants) and, on female plants, showy berries in autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow best in moist but well-drained or well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soil in a sunny position
PruningPruning group 1; trim hedges in early spring
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, holly leaf miner and young shoots may be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to holly leaf blight, Phytophthora root rot and sometimes honey fungus