English Holly Ilex aquifolium 'J.c. van Tol' (f)

Water

The English Holly 'J.C. van Tol' prefers a consistent and moderate moisture level, so it's important to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this may equate to watering with approximately 1-2 gallons per week, depending on climate conditions and soil drainage. During hot, dry periods, this frequency may increase, whereas, during the winter, watering should be reduced. Always avoid waterlogging by ensuring the plant has well-draining soil and never let the soil stay soggy. Slight adjustments to the watering schedule may be necessary to accommodate for rainfall and seasonal changes.

Light

English Holly 'J.C. van Tol' thrives best in a location with full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily but can benefit from filtered light or afternoon shade in hotter climates. A spot that offers morning sunlight with protection from the intense afternoon heat is optimal, helping to promote healthy growth and berry production.

Temperature

English Holly 'J.C. van Tol' is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures; however, it grows best in areas where the temperature stays between 35-80 degrees Fahrenheit. It typically withstands minimum temperatures down to about 5 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure optimal health and growth, avoid placing it in locations where winter temperatures regularly drop below this range.

Pruning

Pruning English Holly 'J.C. van Tol' helps to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, but after the threat of extreme cold has passed. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and trim to shape as desired. Pruning can be done annually or every couple of years, depending on the desired shape and size of the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The English Holly 'J.C. van Tol' prefers well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter. A mix with equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand would provide good aeration and moisture retention. The optimal soil pH for this holly should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.0.

Repotting

English Holly 'J.C. van Tol' usually requires repotting every 2 to 3 years. Choose a pot slightly larger than the root ball to allow for growth. Repotting is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

English Holly 'J.C. van Tol' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers moderate to high humidity. Maintaining a level of 40-60% humidity is generally adequate for this plant's growth and health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light; water when topsoil is dry.

• Outdoor

  Partial to full sun; shelter from strong winds; mulch to retain moisture.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Holly 'J.C. van Tol' begins its life as a seed, which upon germination, emerges as a seedling with characteristic glossy green leaves with fewer spines than other hollies. As it matures into a young plant, it develops a strong root system and starts to form a woody stem. With time, it grows into a bushy evergreen shrub, reaching heights of up to 2-3 meters, and it begins to produce small white flowers in late spring, which are usually pollinated by bees. Following pollination, the female plants bear the iconic red berries, which persist through winter and are a vital food source for birds. Throughout its life, Ilex aquifolium 'J.C. van Tol' requires pruning to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth. The plant can live for several decades, surviving mild winters and continuing its cycle with seasonal flowering and berry production.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• The Ilex aquifolium 'J.C. van Tol', commonly known as the English holly, is typically propagated during the late winter to early spring before new growth begins. The most popular method of propagation for this variety is by taking semi-hardwood cuttings. This involves selecting healthy, current year's growth that has started to harden but is not yet completely woody. A cutting of about 6 to 8 inches (approximately 15 to 20 centimeters) is made just below a leaf node. The leaves at the lower end of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining rooting medium and kept under high humidity levels and indirect light until roots have developed, which can take several weeks to months. It's important to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to encourage rooting without causing rot.