Ilex aquifolium 10 PCS fresh seeds, Holly seeds, Common holly, English holly, European holly, Christmas holly, Evergreen tree seeds, Ornamental plant

🌱 Ilex aquifolium — Common holly, English holly, European holly, Christmas holly, Evergreen tree

We offer 10 PCS fresh seeds of Ilex aquifolium, a plant of the Holly family (Aquifoliaceae), native to Western and Southern Europe, Northwest Africa, and Southwest Asia. This evergreen tree is known for its ornamental value and slow growth rate.

🌿 Botanical Description

Ilex aquifolium is an evergreen tree that grows up to 10-25 m in height and has a trunk diameter of 30-80 cm. The bark is gray and smooth. The leaves are alternate, leathery, elliptical or ovate, dark green on the upper side, and light green on the lower side. They are 5-12 cm long and 2-6 cm wide, with jagged and wavy-curved edges. Some species have a white border on the leaves. The flowers are small, white, and bisexual, with four petals. Fruits are spherical drupes, 6-10 mm in diameter, and come in red, yellow, or orange colors. Blooming occurs in May-June, and fruiting takes place from September to February.

🌾 Growing & Agrotechnics

• Sow seeds 0.5-1 cm deep in the soil in the fall or early spring, stratifying them for 30-60 days at 1-5°C (34-41°F) before sowing.
• Germination temperature: 15-20°C (59-68°F), germination time: 1-3 months.
• Soil type: well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
• Watering and fertilization: keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in the growing season.
• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8, frost tolerance: moderate.

🗺️ Natural Growing Areas

Ilex aquifolium is native to Western and Southern Europe, Northwest Africa, and Southwest Asia. It thrives in temperate climates with mild winters and cool summers, typically growing in woodland edges, hedgerows, and scrublands at altitudes up to 1000 m.

✨ Interesting Facts

Holly berries are not edible and are toxic to humans and animals. In ancient times, holly was used as a symbol of eternal life and was associated with the Celtic festival of Yule. It was also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including rheumatism and fever.