Ilex latifolia
Tarajo, Lusterleaf holly
- Height × spread
- 7m × 4m
- Position
- All conditions
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A superb specimen shrub, this holly can reach 7m (23ft). It can also be grown as a small tree. The plant has large, glossy, spineless leaves with finely serrated edges and fruits freely, producing clusters of small, orange-red berries on its stems. There are small, fragrant flowers, too. This species benefits from protection in its early years and it does not always thrive in the climate of the Britain and Ireland. So it probably grows best in southern coastal regions. In its homeland, the leaves are used to make a tea substitute.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, fragrant
- Shape
- Cone
- Height
- 7m
- Spread
- 4m
- Height in 10 years
- 3m
- Spread in 10 years
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Architectural, Bird attraction
- Walls
- North, East facing
- Deer
- Deer particularly enjoy the foliage of oriental hollies
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
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