Contents
Description
Ilex Aquifolium Amber is a slow-growing evergreen shrub or tree that belongs to the family Aquifoliaceae. It is a cultivar of Ilex aquifolium, commonly known as holly, and is native to western and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. The plant has a dense, pyramidal growth habit that can reach up to 30 feet in height, but it is more commonly found at 10-15 feet tall. It has a narrow, upright form with dark-green foliage that turns golden-yellow in autumn. The plant is dioecious, meaning that it has separate male and female plants, and produces small white flowers in spring that are followed by bright-red berries in fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Aquifoliales |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae |
| Genus | Ilex |
Appearance
Ilex Aquifolium Amber has a narrow, upright form with dark-green, glossy, spiny, and leathery foliage that can reach up to 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The leaves are heavily serrated and have a distinctive wavy edge. In autumn, the leaves turn golden-yellow. The plant produces small white flowers in spring that are followed by bright-red berries in fall that persist throughout winter. The bark of the plant is gray-brown and smooth.
Care Guide
Ilex Aquifolium Amber requires regular watering during the growing season to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It prefers well-drained, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant is tolerant of full sun to partial shade but prefers partial shade in hot climates. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9. The plant benefits from fertilization in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Pruning is not necessary but can be done to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged branches.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ilex Aquifolium Amber is generally free from serious pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildew, and scale insects. Leaf spot can be treated with a fungicide, while powdery mildew and scale insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
Ilex Aquifolium Amber is native to western and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. It prefers moist, well-drained soils in partial shade and can be found in woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Ilex Aquifolium Amber drought-tolerant?
A: No, it prefers moist soil and is not drought-tolerant.
Q: Can Ilex Aquifolium Amber be grown in a container?
A: Yes, it can be grown in a container as long as it is provided with adequate water and nutrients.
Q: What is the difference between male and female Ilex Aquifolium Amber plants?
A: Male plants produce pollen while female plants produce berries. Both male and female plants are required for pollination and berry production.
Q: Can Ilex Aquifolium Amber be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, it can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer or early autumn.
Related Plants
- Ilex crenata
- Ilex opaca
- Ilex vomitoria
- Ilex aquifolium
- Ilex x altaclerensis
References
- “Ilex aquifolium ‘Amber’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=283192&isprofile=0&gen=Ilex.
- “Ilex aquifolium ‘Amber’.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/61243/Ilex-aquifolium-Amber-(v)/Details.
- “Ilex aquifolium ‘Amber’ (PBR).” RHS Gardening, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/328578/Ilex-aquifolium-Amber-(PBR)/Details.
