Ilex, Genus, aquifolium, Species, 'Silver Queen', Cultivar,
- Genus & species
- Cultivar
Variegated English holly
Europe, northwestern Africa, and southwestern Asia (species); cultivar of garden origin
Overview
Ilex aquifolium 'Silver Queen' is a cultivar of a broadleaf evergreen tree or large shrub in the family Aquifoliaceae; the species is native to western and southern Europe, northwestern Africa, and southwestern Asia. Plants reach 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) tall and 8–12 feet (2.4–3.7 m) wide, with a dense, upright, pyramidal habit and purple young stems. Leaves are ovate, 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) long, with a dark green center and a cream-white margin, and young growth is tinged pink. Leaf margins carry sharp spines, fewer than on the species. Despite the name, the cultivar is male: small white, four-petaled flowers open in May and June, and no berries form. Plants are hardy in USDA zones 6–9 and tolerate pruning, salt spray, and urban conditions. Leaves and berries of the species contain saponins and cause vomiting and diarrhea when ingested. Variegated leaves scorch in hot afternoon sun and revert to solid green branches that are removed. The species has naturalized in the Pacific Northwest, where birds disperse its berries into forest edges.
Native Range
The species I. aquifolium is native to western and southern Europe, northwestern Africa, and southwestern Asia, where it grows in the understory of oak and beech woodlands. The cultivar arose in cultivation in the United Kingdom.Suggested Uses
Used as a specimen, screen, or clipped hedge, spaced 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) apart for hedges. As a male cultivar it pollinates female I. aquifolium plants within about 100 feet (30 m). Spiny leaves and the naturalization of the species in the Pacific Northwest limit use near natural areas there.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 25'
Width/Spread8' - 12'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark green with cream-white marginsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Growth is steadiest in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil of pH 5.5–7.0. Variegation is brightest in full sun with afternoon shade in hot climates, and leaves scorch in reflected heat and winter wind. Water is applied at 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week during establishment, and established plants tolerate short dry periods. Cold hardiness is USDA zones 6–9. A 2–3 inch (5–8 cm) layer of mulch conserves soil moisture. Leaf miner and scale insects feed on the foliage.Pruning
Pruning is done in late winter before new growth or in early summer after growth hardens. Solid green shoots that revert from the variegated form are removed at the base. Plants tolerate shearing for hedge use and hard renovation pruning to 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m). Cut branches are used for winter decoration.Pruning Schedule
Prune: February–March & June
wintersummer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons
