Silver Milkmaid Holly Ilex aquifolium 'Silver Milkmaid' (f/v)

Names

• Family

  Aquifoliaceae

• Synonyms

  Silver Milkmaid Holly, Variegated English Holly, Silver Variegated Holly

• Common names

  Ilex aquifolium 'Silver Milkmaid'

Toxicity

• To humans

  The common name for Ilex aquifolium 'Silver Milkmaid' is the English Holly. English Holly is toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains saponins and other compounds that can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, dehydration or drowsiness could potentially occur from substantial ingestion of the leaves or berries. It is particularly important to ensure that children do not eat any part of the plant, as the bright berries can be attractive but are harmful if swallowed.

• To pets

  The common name for Ilex aquifolium 'Silver Milkmaid' is the English Holly. English Holly is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If pets ingest the leaves or berries, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and decreased appetite. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to drowsiness, dehydration, or more serious effects, depending on the amount consumed. It is advisable to keep this plant out of reach of pets and to monitor them for any signs of distress if they are known to have chewed on or eaten any part of the plant.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Variegated

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)

• Spread

  6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  5-9

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Attractive Foliage: Ilex aquifolium 'Silver Milkmaid', commonly known as the English Holly, has variegated leaves that add visual interest to gardens throughout the year.
• Winter Interest: The plant bears colorful berries against green and silver variegated foliage, providing color in the winter garden when many other plants are dormant.
• Habitat for Wildlife: The berries provide a food source for birds during the cold months when food is scarce, and the dense foliage offers shelter.
• Low Maintenance: English Holly is known for being robust and requiring minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Versatile Landscaping: It can be used for hedging, screens, as a specimen plant, or for topiaries, providing flexibility in garden design.
• Evergreen Nature: Being an evergreen, it retains its leaves throughout the year, ensuring the garden remains lively even in winter.
• Privacy Screen: With its dense growth habit, it can effectively be used for privacy screening.
• Long-Lived: English Holly is known to be a long-lived plant, contributing to a stable garden environment and reducing the need for frequent replanting.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Holly 'Silver Milkmaid' is often used in winter holiday decorations due to its festive appearance with variegated leaves and red berries.
• Spiny leaves of Holly can serve as a natural deterrent for pets and wildlife that might otherwise damage garden areas.
• When dried and powdered, Holly leaves have been used as a natural abrasive ingredient for polishing metal or wood.
• Holly wood is very dense and fine-grained, making it suitable for making chess pieces and other intricate wooden objects.
• With its tolerance for shade, Holly can be planted in woodland gardens where few other decorative plants would thrive.
• Holly 'Silver Milkmaid' can be used as a privacy screen due to its dense growth habit, providing year-round foliage cover.
• In folklore, planting Holly near your house was believed to protect from lightning strikes due to its high lightning resistance.
• The wood of Holly is sometimes used in inlay work for decorative furniture, due to its light color it contrasts well with darker woods.
• Branches of Holly are often used as natural stakes or markers in the garden because they're sturdy and long-lasting.
• Bird enthusiasts may plant Holly 'Silver Milkmaid' to attract birds, as they enjoy the shelter and the berries it provides.

Feng Shui

The Holly is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Holly is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Protection: Ilex aquifolium, commonly known as English Holly, is often associated with protection due to its spiky leaves, which were believed to ward off negative energies and spirits.
• Eternal Life: The evergreen nature of the English Holly symbolizes eternal life, as it maintains its vibrant green leaves all year round, even in harsh winter conditions.
• Good Fortune: In many cultures, English Holly is seen as a bringer of good luck, and having it in the home, especially around Christmas, is thought to bring prosperity and good fortune.
• Foresight: The prickly leaves of the English Holly are said to represent foresight or the ability to avoid unpleasant situations, as they prevent animals from eating the plant.
• Domestic Happiness: With its association with Christmas and the winter holiday season, English Holly is often seen as a symbol of domestic joy, family togetherness, and the warm spirit of the home.