Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

 

Height Range

3-6', 6-12'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Grey

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Sun

Full, Half, Shade

 

Water

Very Low, Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate, Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Meadow, Mediterranean, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Espalier, Fragrance, Specimen, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Container, Filler, Hedge, Screen, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

This dense, rounded shrub of 10' becomes full of lustrous dark green leaves which will usually have a single terminal spine. The abundance of fruit will follow a long, warm season, and will occur without pollination. Another possibility for the spine formation is two lateral spines.

If the lower branches are pruned, a tree form will develop. This ilex can also be espaliered. It may need additional nitrogen to enhance green color when it is heavily fruiting.