Plant ilex to decorate your garden for Christmas

Holly (Ilex) is native to North America. It is a shrub that grows 1.8 to 3 meters in native environment, but in Europe is much smaller. It has typical ornamental elliptical or ovate leaves with serrated edges, dark green on top and usually covered with fine hair on the underside.

Flowers are white and rather plain, but later they turn into attractive-looking fruits – shiny red drupes 6 – 7 cm in diameter and remain on the shrub even after many leaves drop off, making the shrub looking special.

Where should you grow ilex?

This ornamental shrub requires light and moderately fertile and acidic soil (pH 4.5-6.5) and plenty of moisture. It will do best near water (streams, ponds, reservoirs). The best time to plant it is in spring or early autumn, which is about now.

Photo: Pixabay

Choose the location well, because ilex does not like transplanting at all. Do not forget to prune and shape, which should be done in mid-summer. Protect the shrub from cold winds in winter especially, if you live in higher mountain areas.

Which variety to choose

Ilex x meserveae is a moderately frost-resistant variety that will thrive almost anywhere but the popular Ilex aquifolium is sensitive to freezing temperatures so, only grow it in warm and well-protected locations, preferably under large trees.

Propagation. Remember that ilex is best propagated by semi-woody cuttings and the best time is late summer or early autumn. Use peat and sand in equal amounts to create an ideal soil for planting and rooting.

Source: https://www.blendea.cz/profil-reishi/, https://www.reishi-ganoderma.cz/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwxveXBhDDARIsAI0Q0x1AqezNCD6sUlcdHMcdegP0rCMpBrblmqbbDzASQ5S7wp8ppFOX8JkaAk6REALw_wcB, https://www.superionherbs.cz/reishi/

Preview photo: Pixabay