Ilex or holly can be found as a hedge plant in many gardens. It is often planted as a replacement for boxwood because it is less susceptible to disease. Ilex places little demands on the soil. How to plant Ilex in the garden or container.
How do I plant Ilex correctly in the garden or container?
To plant Ilex correctly, choose a sunny or semi-shady location without direct shade and drafts. Make sure you have a well-drained substrate without lime and plant in spring with a distance of around two meters for individual bushes and 30-40 cm for hedges.
Which location is suitable for Ilex?
- Sunny locations
- Penumbra
- little draft
- no direct shadow
There must be enough light in partially shaded locations, otherwise the Ilex will worry and become less dense.
What should the substrate be like?
The substrate must be well permeable to water, as Ilex does not tolerate waterlogging. The soil doesn't need to be too nutritious. Holly does not tolerate lime well, so pay attention to the pH value of the soil.
When is the best time to plant?
Ilex is best planted in spring. Then the roots have enough time to develop well. This will help you survive light frosts later.
What planting distance should be maintained?
Grown as a single shrub, you should give the Ilex enough space. A planting distance of two meters is ideal. The distance in the hedge should be 30 to 40 cm.
How do you plant Ilex correctly?
Dig a planting hole that is about twice the size of the root ball. When planting as a hedge, it is better to create a planting trench, as you can then correct the location of the Ilex later.
Mix the planting substrate with mature compost and horn shavings (€52.00 at Amazon).
Insert the Ilex so that the roots do not kink. Fill up the soil and tamp it down carefully. Then mulch the area. Then you have to water less.
How is Ilex propagated?
The easiest way to propagate is via planters. To do this, bend branches down so far that they lie on the ground. Score the branch slightly and then cover it with soil. However, it takes some time for roots to form.
The Ilex takes even longer to propagate if you grow it from the seeds in the berries or from cuttings.
When does Ilex bloom?
The flowering period is in May and June. Most Ilex species are segregated.
When do the fruits ripen?
The fruits are ripe in autumn and usually stay on the bush over the winter.
Is Ilex hardy?
Native Ilex is hardy. You should only cover the young plants in winter in the first few years.
Ilex crenata, the Japanese holly, is only partially hardy and needs appropriate winter protection.
How poisonous is Ilex?
The leaves and berries are poisonous. The poison in the berries decomposes when the fruit is heated for a longer period of time. Raw berries can cause serious poisoning.
Tip
Ilex is also called winter berry because the berries remain on the bush in winter. As a decorative Christmas decoration, the branches with the fruits are cut on frost-free days.
