Chinese holly
ilex cornuta
Also known as: ["Burr Holly","English holly look-alike"]
Overview
An evergreen shrub with spiny, glossy leaves and bright red berries, native to East Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Aquifoliales |
| Family: | Aquifoliaceae |
| Genus: | Ilex |
| Botanical Name: | Ilex cornuta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor air is very dry
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if rejuvenation is required.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun in summer; ensure good air circulation to prevent scorching.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; rotate plant for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend heavy clay with organic matter; test soil pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–8; tolerates temperatures between -20°F and 90°F; prefers cool winters and moderate summers.
Protect from frost in early spring; water early to avoid heat stress; adjust care based on seasonal temperature shifts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly after pruning; avoid fertilizing stressed plants; water thoroughly after feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings in summer; layering can also be successful.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity and warmth.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or cactus mix with added sand for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months; transplant after a year.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to encourage branching; selective removal of crossing or weak stems.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage bushier growth; prune after flowering to avoid cutting off buds.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for thicker branches, pruning saw for large stems, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; make clean cuts just above buds or branches; remove debris after pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or fruiting periods.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim rootbound roots; replace with fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer; reduce frequency in fall and winter to once every 2–3 weeks, adjusting for rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture and improve soil structure.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in prolonged cold; stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or drop; branches can become brittle; overall growth slows or halts in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with burlap in severe cold; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering and fruiting in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use appropriate fertilizer; apply at recommended rate; water before and after fertilizing; avoid contact with foliage.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicThe berries of Ilex cornuta are toxic to cats, leading to gastrointestinal distress and potential systemic effects. The toxic compounds can cause irritation and absorption into the cat's system, resulting in adverse health effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe berries of Ilex cornuta are toxic to dogs, causing gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity. The compounds in the berries can lead to irritation of the digestive system and absorption of harmful substances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicThe berries of Ilex cornuta contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects when ingested by humans. The physiological impact includes irritation of the digestive tract and potential absorption of toxic compounds into the bloodstream.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ilex cornuta toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does Chinese holly require full sun?
A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: How often should I water Ilex cornuta?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Aquifoliaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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