Ilex x altaclerensis 'CAMELLIIFOLIA'

Highclere holly is a hybrid between ilex aquifolium and ilex perado, probably from England. All varieties of this hybrid are quite unique and have almost spineless, large leaves and often vigorous growth.

Camelliifolia is a beautiful and robust plant that is not very new worldwide but has not yet been in wide cultivation in Europe. Which is a pity. It is an elegant and densely leaved, evergreen holly with entire, mostly spineless, elliptic, camellia-like leaves with a hard tip. They are dark green in summer, and deep purple-blue when young and before winter. It is a female variety that bears vivid red berries if a male pollinator is nearby.

Under ideal conditions, e.g. in Benelux countries and England, it may grow quite tall and wide, whereas in our zone it makes a symmetrical, widely conical shrub that seldom exceeds 4-5m tall and 3-4m wide in full maturity. It can be pruned and shaped to maintain smaller size. Do not cut into old wood. It takes a considerable amount of time to repair its shape. Pruning in April will encourage new growths, trimming by end July is ideal for shaping.

Grow hollies in moist but well-drained, light, and fertile soil. They can take periods of drought once established. Hollies do best in full sun but can also grow in the shade. If you live in a region with cold winters and long-lasting frost we recommend growing it in position sheltered from drying winds, and preferably shaded from winter sun. Hardy to USDA zone 5b (tested).

Last update 21-03-2009; 02-12-2011; 15-02-2018