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Ilex x aquipernyi

Phonetic Spelling
EYE-leks awk-wih-PERN-ee-eye
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Ilex × aquipernyi, or Aquipern Holly, is a hybrid cross of I. aquifolium and I. pernyi. Aquipern Holly is an evergreen shrub to small tree, densely narrow and pyramidal in form, and grows up to 20 feet tall. Hollies are dioecious plants so you will need both a male and female to set fruit. Ilex × aquipernyi 'Aquipern' is the male clone of this plant, and Ilex × aquipernyi 'San Jose' is the female clone. This plant is considered a northern holly because it doesn't tolerate heat well. In southern climates, the shrubs appreciate some afternoon shade though the best fruit production occurs in full sun. Use this plant as a screen or hedge in a shrub border, its tall, narrow form make it a great choice for vertical spaces.

This holly is tolerant of most soils except poorly-drained ones and can be grown in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. It is is drought tolerant once established. Prune in the late winter to control its size if needed. It likes partial shade especially in hot summers. It can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor or very acidic soils This plant has no serious pests.

The fruit and evergreen leaves make for winter interest in the landscape. The spiny leaves make this a good choice for a barrier or privacy screen or use as an impenetrable hedge. It can also be planted as a specimen, used in small groups, or planted along a foundation. Mature plants do not tolerate root disturbance, so it is best to site the plant in its permanent position.

Diseases, Insect Pests and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or pest issues, but it can be challenging to grow in the south because it dislikes hot summers and cold winters. 

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and insect pests.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Aquipern'
  • 'San Jose'
'Aquipern', 'San Jose'
Tags:
#thorns#evergreen#low maintenance#winter interest#air pollution tolerant#showy fruits#columnar#deer resistant#glossy leaves#screening#fantz#vertical spaces#bird friendly#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Aquipern'
  • 'San Jose'
'Aquipern', 'San Jose'
Tags:
#thorns#evergreen#low maintenance#winter interest#air pollution tolerant#showy fruits#columnar#deer resistant#glossy leaves#screening#fantz#vertical spaces#bird friendly#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Ilex
    Family:
    Aquifoliaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    The wood is strong, hard and dense and polishes well, though it must be well dried and seasoned or else it warps badly. It is white, except at the center of very old trees, and is highly regarded by cabinet makers though it must be well seasoned.
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Parent plants originated in Europe and western Asia
    Distribution:
    Canada, Pacific Northwest.
    Wildlife Value:
    Fruits are attractive to birds. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi.
    Edibility:
    Use caution. Human ingestion of berries can cause minor toxic reaction.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Columnar
    Dense
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Appendage:
    Spines
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    12-24 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Winter
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Drupe
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    This plant produces a red, globose berry, 1/4 inch diameter that ripen in fall, persist into winter and are attractive to birds.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Insignificant
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Flowers are small and white.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leathery
    Prickly
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Oblong
    Leaf Margin:
    Undulate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are alternate, simple, narrowly elliptic-oblong, slightly convex, and a little over an inch long. They have a prolonged apex with 5 to 9 evenly spaced, undulate terminal spines.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Stems are greenish-brown in color.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Vertical Spaces
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Pollinator Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Barrier
    Hedge
    Screen/Privacy
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Specialized Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Pollution
    Problems:
    Spines/Thorns
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. Leaves and berries are low toxicity and it is only in very large doses that problems are likely to arise. Fruits particularly poisonous to children
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Saponins
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Fruits