Botanical
Name
: Quercus ilex
Alternative Names
:
none known
Common Names(s)
:
Holly Oak, Holm Oak
Description
An evergreen oak tree with glossy, holly-like leaves
Hardiness
Fully hardy in the UK
Height/spread
Ultimate height up to 100 ft, with a very variable spread, but see the comments below on hedging
and topiary.
Soil
Types
Suitable
for all soil types, but growth rates may be slower on poorer soils and in exposed situations.
General
Holm Oaks were introduced
to the UK from Europe in the 16th Century and have become
widely established since then.
They will grow into an imposing, large tree, with hard, dense,
and valuable timber. The leaves vary from
light green/light brown when young, changing to a
deep glossy green with age. There is a large degree
of variation in leaf colour between trees,
and, occasionally, on the same tree. Young growth
is very spiny, but this is supposed to
disappear with more mature growth. Our experience is otherwise! After a few years,
you will be rewarded with lots of golden yellow catkins in spring, followed by a crop of acorns.
This tree responds very well to clipping, and is ideal for hedging or topiary. For
hedging, plant the saplings 18-24 inches apart. For a dense wide hedge, plant a second row 12-18 inches from the first, and
stagger the planting. Because of its waxy leaves, the tree is resistant to drought, and to pollution. It is typically planted
on the Continent as a shelter and stabilisation belt tree, in sand dune environments, since it is also very tolerant of salt
spray.