Ilex Aquifolium Silver Queen
Contents
Description
The Ilex Aquifolium Silver Queen is an evergreen plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the holly family and is characterized by its dark green leaves with silver margins. This plant can grow up to 10 meters tall and 5 meters wide, with a dense and bushy habit. It produces small white flowers in the spring and bright red berries in the winter, which are toxic to humans. The Ilex Aquifolium Silver Queen is a popular garden plant due to its attractive foliage and ability to grow well in most soils and climates.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Aquifoliales |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae |
| Genus | Ilex |
Appearance
The Ilex Aquifolium Silver Queen has dark green leaves with silver margins that are glossy and spiny. The leaves are 5 to 8 cm long and 2 to 4 cm wide. This plant can grow up to 10 meters tall and 5 meters wide, with a dense and bushy habit. It produces small white flowers in the spring and bright red berries in the winter, which are toxic to humans. The bark of the Ilex Aquifolium Silver Queen is smooth and gray, and its branches are reddish-brown. This plant is a popular choice for hedging due to its dense and bushy habit.
Care Guide
The Ilex Aquifolium Silver Queen is a hardy plant that can tolerate most soil types, but prefers moist and well-drained soil. It grows well in full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9. Here are some care tips for this plant:
- Water: Water regularly during the first year after planting to help establish the roots. After that, water only during dry spells.
- Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.
- Soil: The Ilex Aquifolium Silver Queen can grow in most soil types, but prefers moist and well-drained soil. It can tolerate acidic and alkaline soils.
- Sunlight: This plant grows well in full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Ilex Aquifolium Silver Queen is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Ilex Aquifolium Silver Queen is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to the following:
- Leaf spot
- Leaf scorch
- Scale insects
- Spider mites
- Mealybugs
To prevent these problems, make sure the plant is well-watered and fertilized, and prune any infected branches immediately.
Habitat
The Ilex Aquifolium Silver Queen is native to Europe and Asia, where it grows in woodlands and hedgerows. It prefers moist and well-drained soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade. This plant is commonly used in gardens and landscapes as a hedge or specimen plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Ilex Aquifolium Silver Queen toxic to pets?
A: Yes, the berries of this plant are toxic to pets and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms if ingested.
Q: Can the Ilex Aquifolium Silver Queen be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as it is provided with enough space and nutrients.
Q: How often should the Ilex Aquifolium Silver Queen be pruned?
A: This plant should be pruned once a year in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and size.
Q: Does the Ilex Aquifolium Silver Queen attract wildlife?
A: Yes, this plant is a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife due to its bright red berries.
Related Plants
- Ilex aquifolium ‘Ferox Argentea’
- Ilex aquifolium ‘Golden Queen’
- Ilex aquifolium ‘Purpurea’
- Ilex aquifolium ‘Rubricaulis’
References
- “Ilex Aquifolium ‘Silver Queen’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c383.
- “Ilex Aquifolium ‘Silver Queen’.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/99436/Ilex-aquifolium-Silver-Queen/Details.
- “Holly – Ilex Aquifolium ‘Silver Queen’.” Gardening.eu, www.gardening.eu/plants/Shrubs/Ilex-aquifolium-Silver-Queen/2215/.
