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Description
Ilex Cornuta, also known as Chinese holly, is a medium-sized evergreen shrub that belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family. It is native to China, Korea, and Japan and can grow up to 20 feet tall and 12 feet wide in ideal conditions. The plant is popularly grown for its glossy green foliage, attractive flowers, and bright red berries that appear in late fall and winter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Aquifoliales |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae |
| Genus | Ilex |
Appearance
Ilex Cornuta has an upright and rounded growth habit with dense foliage. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and spiny, measuring around 2-3 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The plant produces small white or cream-colored flowers in the spring and early summer, followed by bright red berries that persist through the winter months. The bark of the plant is grayish-brown and smooth.
Care Guide
Ilex Cornuta is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips to care for your Chinese holly:
- Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall to promote healthy growth and flowering.
- Soil: Ilex Cornuta prefers slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss before planting.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer flowers and berries.
- Hardiness Zones: Ilex Cornuta is hardy in USDA zones 7-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ilex Cornuta is generally resistant to pests and diseases but may be susceptible to the following:
- Scale insects: These insects can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control them.
- Mites: These pests can cause leaf stippling and discoloration. Use a miticide to control them.
- Leaf spot: This disease can cause leaf yellowing, browning, and defoliation. Remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Habitat
Ilex Cornuta is native to China, Korea, and Japan and can be found in forests, hillsides, and riverbanks. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and growing conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Ilex Cornuta poisonous to pets?
A: Yes, the plant contains toxic substances that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems in pets.
Q: Can Ilex Cornuta be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container but may require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Q: How often should I prune Ilex Cornuta?
A: Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and size. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
Q: When is the best time to plant Ilex Cornuta?
A: Plant the shrub in the fall or early spring when the soil is moist and the temperatures are mild.
Related Plants
- Ilex aquifolium (English holly)
- Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon holly)
- Ilex opaca (American holly)
References
- Bonner, F. T. (2008). Woody plant seed manual. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.
- Gilman, E. F. (1997). Trees for urban and suburban landscapes. Delmar Publishers.
- Dirr, M. A. (1998). Manual of woody landscape plants: their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes Publishing.
