Ilex × altaclerensis 'James G. Esson' (f)
holly 'James G. Esson'
'James G. Esson' is a large evergreen shrub, or small tree, with an open pyramidal habit with glossy, variably spiny, dark-green foliage on purple stems. White flowers, in spring or early summer, are followed by abundant bright red fruit on this female cultivar if pollinated by a male cultivar
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 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 | Purple | White | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | White | Green | |
| Autumn | Purple | Green | Red | |
| Winter | Purple | Green | Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or 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 best in moist but well-drained or well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soil in a sunny position
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- 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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