The Ilex is a plant traditionally associated with the winter months, especially during the festive period around Christmas. The glossy, evergreen leaves and striking fire-red berries are a common element in festive Christmas arrangements. However, this versatile plant deserves more recognition than just being a temporary decoration. Let's delve deeper into the various types of Ilex and discover how they can be a valuable addition to your garden.
Ilex varieties for the garden
With approximately four hundred different species within the Ilex genus, there is an abundance of choices for gardening enthusiasts. In Dutch forests, the 'sharp' Ilex aquifolium is often found, recognizable by its sharply toothed leaves. These shrubs can even grow into impressive trees that can be as old as three hundred years. Thanks to the efforts of cultivators, we can now enjoy a diverse assortment for the garden, ranging from impenetrable hedges and columnar trees to plants perfect for precise pruning.
The diversity in leaf shapes and colors is extensive. Some have sharp serrations, while cultivars come with round or narrow leaves, with or without thorns. For those seeking something different from the standard dark green, there are options like the blue-green varieties such as Ilex ×meserveae ‘Blue Prince’ or ‘Blue Maid’. For a striking appearance in the winter months, consider the 'Ferox Argentea' with yellow edges or the 'Silver Queen' with white-edged leaves.
Where and when to plant Ilex?
Ilex thrives best in well-draining soil and prefers partial shade to full sun. It's important to note that variegated leaves tend to turn green in full shade but can burn in full sun. In spring, you can add organic hedge fertilizer to stimulate growth. Planting Ilex is most effective in the autumn and winter months, as long as there is no frost. Ensure a spacious planting hole, as these plants need room to grow. Although Ilex is known for its slow growth, this contributes to its durability and noticeable presence, especially in winter.
Japanese holly, Ilex crenata, grows slowly like Buxus and has small, round leaves without thorns. This makes them ideal for precision pruning, best done in June or September. Varieties like 'Blondie' or the yellow-leaved 'Golden Gem' and 'Convexed Gold' offer diverse possibilities for garden design.
Regarding pruning, Ilex grows slowly and should only be pruned when necessary. For Ilex hedges, pruning is ideal in June and/or September. For Japanese Ilex, precision pruning is most effective in May, June, and/or September. A cloudy or rainy day is optimal for pruning, as the plant recovers faster in humid conditions.
Are Ilex berries toxic?
While the red berries of Ilex attract various birds, it's crucial to note that both the berries and leaves are toxic to humans. It's essential to be cautious, especially if there are children or pets around.
