Practical
Plants

Ilex x altaclerensis

Holly

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Ilex genus in the family Aquifoliaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Ilex
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
slow
Height
4 m
Spread
3 m
Fertility
Self sterile, Bees
Flower type
dioecious
Pollinators
Bees

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Although no specific reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, the fruits of at least some members of this genus contain saponins and are slightly toxic. They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and stupor if eaten in quantity[6]. The fruit is poisonous[2].

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Makes a good windbreak hedge, succeeding even in exposed maritime areas, though it is slow growing. The vars. 'Hendersonii' (f), 'Hodginsii' (m) and 'Maderensis' (m) are especially noted[7].

Ecology and functions

Hedge

Environment

Range
A hybrid of garden origin, I. aquifolium x I. perado.
Habitat
Not known in the wild.
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 6+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil pH
very acid, acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerances
high wind, maritime exposure
Wind
Yes
Maritime
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. It can take 18 months to germinate. Stored seed generally requires two winters and a summer before it will germinate and should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame. Scarification, followed by a warm stratification and then a cold stratification may speed up the germination time[8][9]. The seedlings are rather slow-growing. Pot them up into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame for their first year. It is possible to plant them out into a nursery bed in late spring of the following year, but they should not be left here for more than two years since they do not like being transplanted. Alternatively, grow them on in their pots for a second season and then plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Give them a good mulch and some protection for their first winter outdoors. This is a hybrid species so any seedlings will not be true to type. Cuttings of almost ripe wood with a heel, August in a shaded position in a cold frame. Leave for 12 months before potting up. Layering in October. Takes 2 years[8].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Succeeds in most soils so long as they are not water-logged[5]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Dormant plants are hardy to about -15°c if they are given shelter from cold drying winds[4]. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Tolerates industrial pollution and maritime exposure[5]. Slow growing. Plants are very tolerant of trimming and can be pruned right back into old wood. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties[3]. Dislikes root disturbance, especially as it gets older[1]. It is best to place the plants into their permanent positions as soon as possible, perhaps giving some winter protection for their first year or two[K]. Any transplanting is best done in May or, preferably, in September. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

References

  1. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

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  2. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

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  3. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

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  4. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

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  5. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2

  6. Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas Botanical Research Institute, Texas. 1999-00-00 http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/NCTXpdf.htm

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  7. Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1984-00-00

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  8. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  9. McMillan-Browse. P. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-901361-21-6

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