Description

Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) hedging is also know as Evergreen Oak or Holly Oak. The evergreen grey green leaves change to a more dark green as they get older thus providing excellent privacy screening. It is a fast growing plant which in ideal conditions will form a very dense hedge very quickly. Holm oak will respond to regular trimming well becoming even more dense. The new growth comes out in May-June and is covered with a tawny-beige or white indumentum (small hairs) which soon wears off. If left to grow un-trimmed this will form a tree as majestic as the Common Oak to which it is related. It can exhibit a large variation in the shape, texture and size of its leaves.

Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) hedging is suitable for growing in almost all areas and soil types apart from in the coldest inland areas and it is also tolerant of shade. If grow in shade the leaves will be more green than grey-green. It prefers a well drained soil and is particularly useful for coastal planting.

Holm Oak was introduced into Britain in the 16th Century and was given an Award of Garden merit by the Royal horticultural Society in 1984.

ASPECT

Coast Exposed

Coast Sheltered

Inland Exposed

Inland Sheltered

Heavy Shade

HEIGHT

Less then 1m

1-2.5m

2.5-5m

Over 5m

SOIL

Heavy Clay

Medium Loam

Light Sandy

Peat

Acid

Alkaline

Poorly Drained

TRIMMING

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

FEEDING

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

FLOWERING

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

HARDINESS

Hardy to -10°C

Hardy to below -10°C

GROWTH RATE

30-50cm per year