Ilex aquifolium ‘Aurifodina’

Position: Full sun to light shade

Flowering period: Summer (insignificant)

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 8m

Eventual Spread: 3m

Hardiness: 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Aquifoliaceae

Ilex aquifolium ‘Aurifodina’, commonly known as Holly ‘Aurifodina’, is a slow growing evergreen shrub with a conical habit. The species, Ilex aquifolium, is native to western and southern Europe (including the UK), northwest Africa and southwest Asia. In its native habitat, the species, is found as an understory tree or shrub in Oak and Beech woodlands. The leaves of Ilex aquifolium ‘Aurifodina’ are mid green, edged with golden margins and are prickly. Its flowers are insignificant and attractive to pollinating insects, including bees. These are followed by berries which turn red during late autumn to early winter. This shrub provides good sheltering habitat for birds. Ilex aquifolium ‘Aurifodina’ may be used as an evergreen specimen shrub or as a hedging species. Necessary pruning should be carried out in late spring to early summer.

Ilex aquifolium ‘Aurifodina’ Leaf (28/07/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Ilex aquifolium ‘Aurifodina’ Leaf (28/07/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Landscape Architecture

Ilex opaca ‘Xanthocarpa’

Ilex opaca ‘Xanthocarpa’ (07/12/2015, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Late spring

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 10m

Eventual Spread: 6m

Hardiness: 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Aquifoliaceae

Ilex opaca ‘Xanthocarpa’ is an evergreen large shrub or small tree with a pyramidal habit. Its glossy leathery dark green leaves are elliptic with entire spiny margins, up to 8cm long and 4cm broad. Its bark is grey and smooth. This variety is a female form of Ilex and will not produce male pollen, a male Holly will need to be in close proximity in order for this plant to produce berries. Its white flowers are small and appear in clusters. Its orange/ yellow fruit are berries, up to 10mm across and these persist on the plant through the winter months.

Ilex opaca ‘Xanthocarpa’ Leaf (07/12/2015, Kew Gardens, London)

Ilex opaca ‘Xanthocarpa’, commonly known as Yellow Fruited American Holly, is native to east USA.

The etymological root of the binomial name Ilex is derived from the old Latin name for the Holly. Opaca is derived from the Latin opacum meaning ‘shaded’.

The landscape architect may find Ilex opaca ‘Xanthocarpa’ useful as a specimen shrub with attractive winter fruit. It may also be grown as a formal hedge and effective barrier. Once established it will tolerate maritime conditions.

Ilex opaca ‘Xanthocarpa’ Fruit (07/12/2015, Kew Gardens, London)

Ecologically, Ilex opaca ‘Xanthocarpa’ flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. The canopy of this shrub forms an effective shelter for nesting birds.

Ilex opaca ‘Xanthocarpa’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Ilex opaca ‘Xanthocarpa’ requires little maintenance. If maintaining as a hedge it should be cut in late autumn to early spring. If necessary it may also be cut in mid summer, but winter berries may be lost.



Landscape Architecture

Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’

Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ (07/12/2015, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full Sun to Shade

Flowering Period: Spring

Soil: Well Drained

Eventual Height: 6m

Eventual Spread: 4m

Hardiness: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Aquifoliaceae

Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ is an evergreen small tree or large shrub with an upright habit and pendulous crown. Its dark green leathery leaves have silver/ yellow margins, are broadly ovate with entire spiny margins, up to 6cm long and 4cm broad. Its bark is silver/ gray and smooth. This is a female variety of Holly and as such produces berries only if a male specimen is in the vicinity. Its white flowers are small in size and occur in clusters. The fruit is a small, globular, red berry of 8 millimeters in diameter.

Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ Leaf (07/12/2015, Kew Gardens, London)

Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ is commonly known as Weeping Silver Margined Holly.

The etymological root of the binomial name Ilex is derived from the old Latin name for this plant. Aquifolium is derived from the Latin acus ‘needle’ and floium ‘leaf’, in reference to the pointed leaves.

The landscape architect may find Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ useful as an evergreen small specimen tree. This particular variety produces red berries during the winter months and has a silver/ yellow edge to it’s leaves. Once established this plant is tolerant of maritime conditions.

Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ Fruit (07/12/2015, Kew Gardens, London)

Ecologically Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ flowers are attractive to pollinating insects including bees. Its berries are attractive to some birds. This plant provides shelter and protection from predators for birds.

Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’ requires little to no maintenance.



Landscape Architecture