Ilex aquifolium 'J.C. van Tol' (f)
holly 'J.C. van Tol'
Evergreen self-fertile, female tree to 6m tall, of broadly upright habit with dark-purple young shoots and almost spineless, glossy, dark green ovate leaves. Small white flowers in late spring are followed by abundant, bright red berries
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green | Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Aquifoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Ilex can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees with often spiny leaves, small white flowers (male and female usually on separate plants) and, on female plants, showy berries in autumn
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained or well-drained soil in a sunny position or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn to midwinter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 1; trim hedges in early spring
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects, holly leaf miner and young shoots may be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to holly leaf blight, Phytophthora root rot and sometimes honey fungus
Get involved
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