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Photo by Leonora (Ellie) Enking

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Ilex aquifolium 'Crassifolia'

Also Known As

English Holly
Holly Tree
Leatherleaf Holly
Saw-Leaved Holly

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 6'-8'
W: 6'-8'

planting zones

6a-9b

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Ilex aquifolium 'Crassifolia' plant details

Ilex aquifolium 'Crassifolia' is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with black and green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in acidic, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ilex aquifolium 'Crassifolia'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: aquifoliaceae
Foliage: evergreen black and green
Mature size: 6 FT - 8 FT - wide, 6 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: rare

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ilex aquifolium 'Crassifolia'

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Cultivated since the 1700s, this oddly handsome, small holly reaches 6 - 8 ft tall but very slowly, its curved leaves, shiny and dark with their distinctive, soft spines standing out on dark purple stems in the new growth. Spring flowers are white but inconspicuous, producing no fruit on this male cultivar. Sun to part shade with average summer moisture, though these can tolerate some drought once established. Frost hardy to 0F, USDA zone 7.

By: Cistus Nursery

There is nothing crass about this bizarrely elegant Holly. In fact, I can think of very few plants which can successfully incorporate bizarre and elegance and pull it off but this does so admirably. An uncommon but much admired trouble and deer-free evergreen big shrub.