Golden King Holly Ilex × altaclerensis 'Golden King' (f/v)

Water

The Golden King Holly should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This generally equates to watering once or twice a week during its active growth period in spring and summer, tapering to every two or three weeks in the fall and winter. When watering, pour slowly to let the water infiltrate the soil around the roots, using approximately 1 to 2 gallons for a young plant, and more for a mature one, ensuring you are not just wetting the surface but reaching the deeper root zone. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot, a common problem in poorly drained soils. During hot spells or drought, keep a closer eye on moisture levels and water more frequently as needed to maintain consistent soil moisture.

Light

The Golden King Holly prefers a site with full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day, though it can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade as insufficient light can lead to sparser foliage and reduced vigor. The ideal location offers morning sunlight and some protection from harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves during peak summer months.

Temperature

The Golden King Holly is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, thriving ideally between 35°F and 75°F. It can survive winter cold down to about -10°F, making it suitable for regions with moderate to cold winters. During extreme summer heat above 90°F, the plant may experience stress, so providing some shade and adequate moisture is beneficial. Overall, this holly prefers a cooler to moderate climate and will flourish within the mentioned temperature ranges.

Pruning

Pruning the Golden King Holly is important for maintaining its shape and encouraging healthy growth. Late winter or early spring, before new growth starts, is the best time for pruning. Snip away any dead or broken branches and shape the plant as desired, keeping in mind that this holly tolerates heavy pruning if reshaping is necessary. For minimal maintenance, simply trim to keep the desired size and remove any crossing branches to prevent damage and disease.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Highclere Holly (Golden King) prefers well-drained, consistently moist soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0. The best soil mix for this plant would be a blend of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage and aeration. Organic matter such as compost can also be added to provide nutrients and improve soil structure.

Repotting

Highclere Holly (Golden King) should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. However, as it matures and if planted in the ground, repotting is not necessary unless it is being moved to a new location.

Humidity & Misting

Highclere Holly (Golden King) is quite adaptable but prefers moderate humidity levels. It tolerates the average outdoor humidity in most temperate climates well but does not require the high humidity levels that some other plants might.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in a bright location with indirect light and room temperature.

• Outdoor

  Plant in a sunny to partly shaded spot with shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

Holly 'Golden King' begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. As a seedling, it establishes a root system and sprouts its first leaves, which are often more ovate and less spiny than mature foliage. Growing into a juvenile plant, it develops its characteristic glossy, variegated leaves and begins to form a woody stem structure. Upon reaching maturity, which may take several years, 'Golden King' produces small white flowers in the spring, though as a female clone, it requires a male pollinator for fertilization. After pollination, the plant develops its distinctive red berries (drupes), which persist through the winter, providing food for birds and wildlife. This plant has an evergreen perennial growth habit, with the cycle of growth, flowering, and berry production repeating annually.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring

• Ilex × altaclerensis 'Golden King', commonly known as the Highclere holly, is best propagated through the semi-hardwood cuttings method. This technique typically takes place during the late summer months, as it is the time when the plant has semi-ripe, new growth that is ideal for cutting. To propagate, a gardener should select healthy, disease-free stems and make cuttings about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, ensuring at least two or three sets of leaves are present. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be placed in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a similar soilless potting mix. The pot should be kept in a well-lit area, out of direct sunlight, and the soil must be kept moist but not saturated until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. This method of propagation is highly favored as it helps maintain the variegated characteristics specific to 'Golden King'.