Variegated English Holly Ilex aquifolium 'Elegantissima' (m/v)
ABOUT
The Ilex aquifolium 'Elegantissima', commonly known as the variegated English holly, is a striking and ornamental evergreen shrub. Its distinctive foliage sets it apart, with glossy, dark green leaves that beautifully contrast with the creamy white to pale yellow edges; this variegation can add visual interest to a garden throughout the year. The leaves themselves are classic holly shape, which means they have a spiky, wavy edge, resembling somewhat elongated stars with several points. In terms of its blossoms, this variety of English holly produces small white flowers that may not be as visually prominent as the foliage but do contribute to the plant's overall elegance. Following the flowering season, it can bear bright red berries or drupes, which are particularly attractive against the variegated leaves and can add to the plant’s ornamental value, especially in the winter months. These berries are also a food source for birds during the colder seasons. This variegated English holly exhibits a bushy growth habit, with branches that can spread gracefully. The combination of its colorful leaves, winter berries, and the overall texture that the plant provides, make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add year-round interest to their landscape. It's commonly used as a specimen plant, in hedges, or as part of a mixed border due to its visual appeal.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Variegated English Holly, Elegantissima Holly.
Common names
Ilex aquifolium 'Elegantissima'
ToxicityTo humans
Holly is considered to be toxic if ingested. The berries and leaves contain several potentially toxic substances, among them theobromine, a compound also found in chocolate and tea leaves, and saponins. Ingesting holly can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can cause drowsiness, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Children and pets are particularly susceptible due to their smaller size and the potential for more significant ingestion relative to body weight.
To pets
Holly is toxic to pets, with the berries being particularly attractive and dangerous to animals like dogs and cats. Ingestion of holly can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. The plant contains saponins and theobromine, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset and, in severe cases, more serious symptoms like drooling, lip smacking, head-shaking, and a low heart rate. Depending on the amount ingested, the symptoms can range from mild to severe and could potentially be life-threatening, especially for smaller animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
White
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage - Ilex aquifolium 'Elegantissima' features variegated leaves that add visual interest to gardens throughout the year.
- Wildlife Habitat - The plant provides shelter and breeding sites for various bird species.
- Year-Round Interest - With evergreen leaves and red berries in winter, it delivers seasonal beauty.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, it's reasonably resistant to short periods of drought.
- Easy Maintenance - Requires minimal pruning and upkeep, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Privacy and Screening - Can be used to create dense hedges for privacy or to screen unsightly areas.
- Versatile Landscaping - The holly is adaptable for formal or informal garden designs.
- Hardiness - Tolerates a wide range of climates and is resistant to many pests and diseases.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Privacy Screens: English Holly 'Elegantissima' can be grown as a dense hedge, providing privacy in gardens and yards due to its thick foliage.
- Topiary Forms: The plant's ability to tolerate pruning makes it suitable for shaping into various topiary forms for ornamental purposes.
- Wildlife Shelter: The dense branches can provide shelter and nesting opportunities for birds and other small wildlife.
- Garden Focal Points: With its variegated leaves and red berries, it can be used as an attractive focal point in garden design.
- Cultural Symbolism: English Holly is often used in winter holiday decorations, symbolizing peace and joy.
- Ink Production: The tannins from the bark of English Holly have historically been used to make ink.
- Dyeing Fabric: The bark and berries can be processed to create natural dyes for fabric and other materials.
- Woodworking: The hard, dense wood is used to make small items like inlays, rulers, and walking stick handles.
- Festive Garlands: Branches of English Holly can be intertwined to create festive garlands for decoration during various celebrations.
- Photography Backdrops: The plant's striking appearance is often used as a natural backdrop in photography, especially in winter-themed shoots.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe English Holly is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe English Holly is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Ilex aquifolium, commonly known as Holly, is often believed to ward off negative energies and provide protection. This association may come from ancient times when it was thought to protect against evil spirits.
- Eternal Life: The evergreen nature of Holly signifies eternal life, as it stays green throughout the year, even in harsh winter conditions.
- Good Fortune: Holly is sometimes seen as a symbol of good luck and is used in wreaths and decorations to invite positive energy into the home during the winter holidays.
- Foresight: With its sharp leaves, Holly is associated with foresight and the ability to overcome challenges, resembling the need for caution and preparation.
WaterFor the variegated English holly, water thoroughly when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch, typically every 7 to 10 days during the growing season. Water less frequently in the dormant winter period, about once every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the plant's environment and humidity levels. When watering, soak the soil until water runs out of the bottom of the pot, ensuring deep hydration. In terms of amount, use approximately half a gallon for a medium-sized potted holly, adjusting based on the size and the pot's drainage.
LightThe variegated English holly thrives in partial to full sunlight. A spot that receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight but is shielded from the harsh afternoon rays is ideal. Filtered sunlight beneath high tree canopies or east-facing locations that provide morning light and afternoon shade can also support healthy growth.
TemperatureVariegated English holly prefers temperatures ranging from 30°F to 70°F and can withstand brief dips below freezing. It is hardy down to about 0°F but it is ideal to avoid prolonged exposure to these extreme lows. The optimal temperature range for robust growth and health is between 50°F and 60°F.
PruningPrune the variegated English holly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; this is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or damaged branches to maintain plant health, and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation. If the holly is used for hedging, it can be pruned more frequently throughout the growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilVariegated English Holly prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0. A good mix might include garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to improve drainage.
RepottingVariegated English Holly should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when outgrowing its pot, which is less frequent due to its slow growth.
Humidity & MistingVariegated English Holly does well in moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to average home humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid dry air indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade and shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleIlex aquifolium 'Elegantissima', commonly known as the Elegant Hollywood, begins life as a seed, often spread by birds after eating the berries. Once germinated in favourable conditions, it enters the seedling stage, slowly developing its distinctive spiny leaves. As a young plant, or sapling, it starts establishing a strong root system and a sturdy stem, gradually forming a dense, bushy shape. With maturity, the Elegant Hollywood reaches the adult stage, producing small white flowers in late spring that are followed by its characteristic red or pink berries if pollinated (it requires both male and female plants for berry production). Over many years, it grows into a robust evergreen shrub or small tree, continuing to flower and fruit annually. The plant's life cycle eventually concludes when it can no longer sustain its vital functions, leading to senescence and death.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter - Early Spring
The common holly, Ilex aquifolium 'Elegantissima', is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the late summer. One would select a healthy branch of the current year's growth and cut a segment approximately 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long. The lower leaves are then stripped, and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to facilitate root development. This cutting should then be planted in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite to ensure good drainage and aeration. The pot needs to be kept in a humid environment with indirect sunlight until roots have established, which can be checked by gently tugging on the plant after a few weeks to see if there is resistance indicating root growth.
