Ilex aquifolium Alaska

Ilex aquifolium are native to much of Northern Europe including the Uk. Ilex aquifolium Alaska was introduced around by H. and D. Nissen from Germany in the early 1960's. It is also one of the finest, hardiest and most robust of all the cultivars of the Common Holly. A small, slender evergreen tree, which makes it very suitable for locations where space is limited and for narrow hedges. The sharp dentate, spiny leaves are narrower with more pronounced indents than those of the species. Alaska has clusters of small white flowers in May and June and is a self pollinating female cultivar, so will producer an abundance of striking red berries in winter, which contrast brilliantly with the foliage. If a male tree is present in the locality it will increase the crop of berries. Needless to say the birds are often, but for some reason not always, attracted to them as much as we are! Good in seaside and industrial locations. Easy to grow almost anywhere except very wet soils, in full sun or partial shade. Can be used in a mixed planting or as a stand alone specimen in the garden or can easily be grown in a pot or container. When growing in a pot or other container. Use a good quality John Innes compost as this plant will be there a long time and peaty types of compost eventually degrade and become too packed and choke the roots. Ensure you feed regularly as a hungry plant is a poor performer. We recommend Osmoscote pro 12-14 month applied in the early spring. One application gives all the nutrients the plant requires for the whole year. John Innes is a soils based compost.