Ilex canariensis
(Small-leaved Holly)
Family - Aquifoliaceae
Category - Shrub, tree
Origin - Canary Islands, Madiera
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Height - 6m or more
Width - 2.5m or more
Location - The Hot Garden
Description: A large Evergreen Shrub or small tree with an upright habit and spreading branches. Bright green to dark green leaves are ovate to oval in shape and usually have smooth, spineless margins. Small, creamy white, cup-shaped flowers are held in clusters along the branches and are produced from late spring into early summer. Dioecious (male and female flowers are produced on separate plants). The flowers are followed by round, bright red berries in autumn (on female plants). Attractive to pollinating insects and the berries are well-liked by birds.
Flower:
Small, creamy white flowers are cup-shaped. The blooms are held in clusters along the branches and are produced in May and June. The flowers will be followed by round, bright red berries (on female plants) in autumn.
Flower colour: White
Flower shape: Small cup-shaped flowers held in clusters
Flowering time: May, June
Foliage:
Bright green to dark green leaves are ovate to oval in shape and have smooth, spineless margins. Occasionally, the leaves on juvenile plants will have a few spines. The leaves are Alternately arranged on the branches.
Foliage Senescence: Evergreen
Foliage Shape: Ovate to oval
Propagation:
Cuttings, seed.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun to partial shade in reasonably fertile, moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained.