Ilex, Genus, pedunculosa, Species,
- Genus & species
Longstalk holly
Overview
Ilex pedunculosa is an evergreen large shrub or small tree reaching 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) tall with a spread of 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m). The crown is dense, upright-oval to rounded. Leaves are alternate, elliptic to ovate, 1.5–3 inches (4–8 cm) long, with smooth margins and no spines, glossy dark green above and paler beneath. Plants are dioecious: small white flowers, 0.2 inch (5 mm) across, open in May–June on separate male and female plants. Female plants bear round red fruits 0.2–0.25 inch (5–6 mm) in diameter, hanging on stalks 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long; fruits ripen in September–October and persist into winter unless eaten by birds. Fruit set requires a male plant nearby. Growth rate is slow to moderate, at 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) per year. Leaves show winter burn in exposed sites in zones 5–6, and plants show chlorosis in soils above pH 7.0. Hardy in USDA zones 5–7.
Native Range
Native to Japan and China, in forests and thickets in temperate mountain regions.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen, screen, or hedge, spaced 8–10 feet (2.4–3 m) apart in screens. Planted in groups with one male plant among several females to produce fruit. Used in winter plantings where red fruits persist.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 25'
Width/Spread10' - 15'
Bloom Information
Flowers open in May–June in zones 5–7, on separate male and female plants. Flowers are white, 0.2 inch (5 mm) across, and visited by bees. Total bloom period lasts about 2 weeks. Female plants set fruit only when a male plant of the same species is nearby.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark green above, paler beneathGrowing 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
Grows in moist, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 5.0–6.5) in full sun to part shade; plants in shade carry less fruit. Newly planted shrubs need 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water weekly in the first 2–3 growing seasons. A 2–3 inch (5–8 cm) layer of mulch conserves soil moisture. Winter wind and sun cause leaf browning in exposed sites in zones 5–6. Spider mites, scale insects, and leaf spots occur occasionally.Pruning
Needs little pruning, and the dense habit develops naturally. Dead and crossing branches are removed in late winter before new growth starts. Shearing or heading cuts reduce the fruit load on female plants.Pruning Schedule
Prune: February–March
winterearly spring
