Quercus Ilex Hedging Shrub

Quercus Ilex Hedging or Holm Oak Hedging
Quercus Ilex is an evergreen member of the oak tree family. Quercus Ilex comes in primarily two types, as a tree, or as a shrub. These are Quercus Ilex Hedging shrubs (also known as Holm Oak or Evergreen Oak). These make a superb hedging plant which can be clipped and trained into a very nice hedge formal or if you prefer, a more natural loose style. Quercus Ilex Hedging plants are very easy to grow. They are hardy and capable of growing almost anywhere apart from very waterlogged soil. Holm Oak Hedging will do best in open moist fertile soil and in a sunny position.

These Quercus Ilex hedging shrubs are grown for evergreen screening and / or hedging. The Genus Quercus, also known as Holm Oak, are of the Family Fagaceae, with entire leaves either lobed or toothed. The flowers are inconspicuous and followed by acorns which express a nice autumn colour.

Originating in the Mediterranean, the bushy habit of Quercus Ilex can persist to Hardiness zone H5 in the UK and Ireland; though not very fond of extreme cold climates of our inland areas. It prefers full sun generally, though can tolerate partial shade to a degree. Preferred aspects by choice would be North, East, South, or West facing.  Holm Oak Hedging will grow to an ultimate height of 1.0-3.0 metres when managed as a shrub. A moderately rapid grower, it can grow 25-30 centimetres if not trimmed. It takes anywhere between 20-50 years for Quercus Ilex to reach full maturity.

Soil should be well drained but should also hold moisture well. Textural combinations including chalk, loam, sand, or clay are fine. Near neutral pH is ideal. This easy to grow evergreen will respond quite favourably to formative pruning and clipping. It fits well as a hedge in coastal areas. A very natural looking screening plant, Quercus Ilex Hedging can resist drought, but will not do well in waterlogged soils.