Ilex aquifolium 'J.C. Van Tol' (J.C. Van Tol Holly)

Botanical Information

FamilyAquifoliaceae
GenusIlex
Speciesaquifolium
Cultivar'J.C. Van Tol'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6 - 7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone6b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-10) - (-5)
Temperature (°F)14 - 23
Height4 - 8 m
Spread2.5 - 4 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodApril, May, June, July

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThe bark of the tree is grey, the leaves are dark green, lighter underneath and have spines in less mature trees. The flowers on female plants are white and on the male plants are yellow with fruit, a red drupe appearing in autumn.
ShapeBushy.
LandscapeIlex aquifolium is an excellent species to plant in wildlife gardens. It produces an excellent hedge and grows well in shady sites. It has been cultivated as an ornamental tree due to its fruit and is used for Christmas decorations. Ilex aquifolium has spiky leaves, white flowers in the summer and red berries in the autumn lasting into the winter months. It offers interest throughout the year for any landscape design and it can be used as part of a festive Christmas landscape.
PropagationThere are many forms of propagation for Ilex aquifolium from hardwood cutting in the autumn or midwinter to semi-ripe cuttings in the late summer into autumn. The use of cuttings is the primary form of propagation. Seeds can be used in the early spring. Layering and grafting can be utilized from spring to early autumn. When hardwood cuttings are taken in the winter, the media for the cuttings should be heated at a soil temperature of 18° C. If using seeds, the seeds should be stratified at 4° C, for 4-5 months. The collection of the berries should be performed over the winter, the flesh must be removed and the seed must be sown immediately. The seeds may also be stored in a moist, warm place where the embryos may mature. The seeds should then be placed in moist soil and moved to a refrigerator, after dormancy, they may be sown outdoors.
CultivationThe European Holly grows well in all soils types whether clay or alkaline. They are tolerant of shade, heat, drought and pollution. If sandy soil is present mulching is recommended with pine needles or oak leaves.
Notable SpecimensLanhydrock Gardens, Cornwall, England.

Photographs