Agrifoglio

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Aquifoliaceae

Order

Aquifoliales

Genus

Ilex

Species

aquifolium

Description

Evergreen shrub whose rusticity as well as the ornamental value conferred by its glossy leaves and bright red autumn-winter drupes make it ideal for various uses, either as a single specimen, which can take on the size of a small tree, or to create hedges and plant barriers; also suitable for planters and pots of a size commensurate with its vegetative growth. Consider the place of use as holly leaves often have a spiny toothed margin and the drupes are toxic.

Varietal description

Indigenous shrubby plant of the Italian and European continental range; in the wild it is medium-sized and can turn into a small tree with development. Persistent shiny green leaves with pointed margins. Very pretty red berry fruits that last a long time on the branch. Easy to grow, grows well in various soils. Used for gardens and parks as well as for reforestation and stabilisation of natural slopes.

curiosity and special features

The holly was already used in Ireland in ancient times to decorate homes, this custom was then passed on to Christian peoples during the Christmas season giving it a protective significance.

The drupes, which are toxic to humans and animals, are enjoyed by some wild birds through which dissemination occurs.

Origin and Diffusion

Species of European origin, sub-Atlantic distribution; now present with a wide assortment of cultivars, some with variegated leaves.

Leaf

The leaves, which are polyform and leathery, have a lobed lamina with a spiny margin, particularly in the lower part of the plant and on the younger branches, or with a smooth margin on the upper branches.

Flowering period

It flowers from early spring to late spring for a duration of 15 to 25 days.

Leaf color

Mainly unicoloured, dark green in perfect colour contrast with the lustre of the red drupes.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 1 to 4 m, depending on the growing conditions; in general, holly is a medium-sized shrub.

Lifespan

Polyennial evergreen plant.

Suggested planting locations

Versatile in its use, it is suitable as a shrub for flowerbeds, dividing beds, planters, gardens and parks, rock gardens, large flowerbeds and road roundabouts, large pots, open field, hedges, terraces

Stem/stem

The stem is woody with smooth bark, initially green and then blackish-grey when ripe.

Flower

The flower has a simple, small form with a star-shaped corolla and single-coloured petals. It flowers from early spring to late spring, with a flowering period of between 15 and 25 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Medium to vigorous growing shrub.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is erect and bushy.

branching

The abundant branching allows for a dense and thick foliage.

pH

It requires a soil or substrate pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

soil preparation

For transplanting at the end of autumn, it is advisable to carry out light spading to remove any weeds present, and also to apply balanced slow-release fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants.

sun exposure

An exposure in full sun is ideal for better vegetative development.

Ideal climate and temperature

The idealtemperature is between 0.0 and 30 °C. It is ideal for cold winter climates and also tolerates frozen ground conditions.

Use

It is one of the most widely used ornamental species as a plant in:

Outdoor Landscape Design Landscaping Plants for environmental consolidation

Hardiness

Thehigh rusticity adds value to the plant.

Soil/medium

For proper root growth, the soil must be light, fresh and well draining. For pots and tubs, use a new, high-quality substrate based on peat and perlite.

Maintenance

Following proper enfranchisement at the new planting site, holly cultivation requires a low level of management effort.

cultivation tips

Here are some specific cultivation aspects for holly:

Expose the plant to maximum light Plant which adapts very well to cold winter climates, and also thrives in frozen soil conditions. Can be planted in sunny beds or in half-shade.

planting

Transplant by completely burying the root ball but keeping the collar off the soil surface. Plant the young plants in light soil or soil with organic matter to promote root development, compacting well to avoid air pockets. Water well after transplanting but without producing waterlogging.

pruning

In the juvenile phase, prune little and let the branches grow to form a dense, leaf-rich crown. Subsequently carry out training pruning in relation to the habitus you wish to give the plant: compulsory form (cone, sapling, ball) or natural, free form.

Reproduction/Propagation

Propagation can be by seed, such, layering and by offshoot.

potting

If grown in pots, transplant regularly according to development.

Irrigation

Allow the soil or substrate to dry slightly between successive waterings, also observing the turgidity of the leaves which express the plant's water needs. Prevent water stagnation which can lead to root asphyxia. When cultivated in pots or planters, irrigate weekly in relation to the seasonality of heat and evapotranspiration.

Fertilization

During soil preparation, carry out a background fertilisation with slow-release fertiliser for ornamental plants. After planting, carry out periodic balanced fertilisation during the spring-summer period. If the growth is excessive and the leaves tend to yellow, fertilise with fertilisers containing iron and magnesium or iron chelates.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible Species.

Human toxicity

Drupes and leaves cause toxicity by ingestion.

advise 1

A very beautiful plant if grown in a regular geometric shape or as a sapling, with the low branches pruned and the high trellised to emphasise the shape of the foliage.