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Description
Ilex Aquifolium Golden Milkboy, commonly known as “Golden Milkboy,” is a cultivar of the European holly. It is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub that can reach a height of up to 15 feet and a spread of up to 10 feet. The leaves are glossy, dark green with yellow margins, and have a spiny texture, making it an excellent choice for hedges or as a specimen plant. The Golden Milkboy blooms in the spring with small, white flowers, followed by red berries in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Aquifoliales |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae |
| Genus | Ilex |
Appearance
The Golden Milkboy has glossy, dark green leaves with yellow margins that create a golden hue. The leaves are oval-shaped, about 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide, and have a spiny texture. The shrub has a dense, bushy growth habit, making it an excellent choice for hedges or as a specimen plant. In the spring, the Golden Milkboy produces small, white flowers that are followed by red berries in the fall. The berries are toxic to humans but provide food for birds and other wildlife.
Care Guide
The Golden Milkboy is a low-maintenance shrub that requires minimal care.Water: Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during hot, dry weather.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, acidic soil. If the soil is not acidic, add sulfur to lower the pH level.Sunlight: The Golden Milkboy prefers partial to full shade.Hardiness Zones: The shrub is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Golden Milkboy is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot, holly leaf miner, and scale insects. Regularly inspect the plant and treat any issues promptly.
Habitat
The Golden Milkboy is native to Europe and is commonly found in woodlands and hedgerows. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Golden Milkboy be planted in full sun?
A: While the shrub can tolerate full sun, it prefers partial to full shade.Q: When is the best time to fertilize the Golden Milkboy?
A: Fertilize the shrub once a year in the spring.Q: Are the berries of the Golden Milkboy edible?
A: No, the berries are toxic to humans but provide food for birds and other wildlife.Q: How often should I water the Golden Milkboy?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during hot, dry weather.
Related Plants
- Ilex Aquifolium
- Ilex Aquifolium Argentea Marginata
- Ilex Aquifolium Ferox Argentea
- Ilex Crenata Golden Gem
- Ilex Crenata Golden Gem
References
- “Ilex Aquifolium ‘Golden Milkboy’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=262181.
- “Golden Milkboy English Holly.” Monrovia, www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/812/golden-milkboy-english-holly/.
- “Ilex Aquifolium ‘Golden Milkboy’.” Plant Finder, www.greatplantpicks.org/plantlists/view/400.
