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Ilex Aquifolium Watereriana

Ilex Aquifolium Watereriana

Description

Ilex Aquifolium Watereriana is a type of holly plant that is native to Europe, specifically to the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is a variety of Ilex Aquifolium, also known as common holly, and is known for its attractive foliage and bright red berries.

Taxonomic Information

Domain: Eukarya
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Spermatophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Aquifoliales
Family: Aquifoliaceae
Genus: Ilex

Appearance

The Ilex Aquifolium Watereriana plant has a dense, bushy growth habit with dark green, glossy leaves that have spiky edges. The leaves are roughly 5-7.5 cm long and 2.5-5 cm wide. This plant is dioecious, meaning that there are separate male and female plants. The female plants produce bright red berries, which are a striking feature of this plant.

Care Guide

Ilex Aquifolium Watereriana is an easy plant to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:

  • Water: Water your plant regularly, especially during dry spells. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
  • Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
  • Sunlight: Ilex Aquifolium Watereriana prefers partial to full shade, but can tolerate some sun.
  • Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Ilex Aquifolium Watereriana is generally a hardy plant, but it can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases:

  • Scale insects: These insects can cause yellowing and curling of leaves. Use horticultural oil to control infestations.
  • Holly leaf blight: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.

Habitat

Ilex Aquifolium Watereriana is native to Europe and is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens. It prefers well-draining soil and partial to full shade.

Question and Answer

Here are some commonly asked questions about Ilex Aquifolium Watereriana:

  • Q: How tall does this plant grow?
  • A: Ilex Aquifolium Watereriana can grow up to 2-3 meters tall and wide.

  • Q: Can this plant tolerate drought?
  • A: While this plant can tolerate some dry conditions, it prefers to be watered regularly and should not be allowed to dry out completely.

  • Q: Does this plant require pruning?
  • A: This plant does not require pruning, but it can be trimmed to shape if desired.

  • Q: Does this plant produce berries every year?
  • A: Female plants will produce berries every year if they are pollinated by a male plant.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Ilex Aquifolium Watereriana:

  • Ilex aquifolium
  • Ilex crenata
  • Ilex x altaclerensis

References

  • “Ilex aquifolium.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 8, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a669.
  • “Ilex aquifolium ‘Watereriana’.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed October 8, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/26730/Ilex-aquifolium-Watereriana/Details.
  • “Holly.” The Spruce. Accessed October 8, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/grow-holly-plants-2132868.

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