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Ilex aquifolium Holly Evergreen shrub (1 Page of 5) The Ilex aquifolium plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Aquifoliaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Holly. Some home gardeners know the variety as I. balearica. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Ilex aquifolium Common Name: Holly Family: Aquifoliaceae Author: L. Known Hazards: The plant is poisonous[10], but only in very large doses[65, 76]. Mature Height: 9 Mature Width: 5 Habitat: Found in most well-drained soils in scrub, hedges and woodland where it is often the dominant under-storey shrub[7].
Propagation Notes: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. It can take 18 months to germinate. Stored seed generally requires two winters and a summer before it will germinate and should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame. Scarification, followed by a warm stratification and then a cold stratification may speed up the germination time[78, 80]. The seedlings are rather slow-growing. Pot them up into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame for their first year. It is possible to plant them out into a nursery bed in late spring of the folowing year, but they should not be left here for more than two years since they do not like being transplanted. Alternatively, grow them on in their pots for a second season and then plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Give them a good mulch and some protection for their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of almost ripe wood with a heel, August in a shaded position in a cold frame. Leave for 12 months before potting up.
Layering in October. Takes 2 years.
For further Ilex aquifolium gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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