How to Grow Ilex Golden King - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Ilex golden king is a shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide. It has dark green leaves and yellow flowers. The flowers turn into berries that are red when they are ripe. This plant is native to China and Japan.

How to Grow Ilex Golden King - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Ilex aquifolium 'Aurea'
  • Ilex x meserveae 'Golden King'
  • Ilex crenata 'Golden King'
  • Ilex cornuta 'Golden King'
  • Ilex opaca 'Golden King'

Good to Know

  • Ilex golden king is an evergreen shrub or tree.
  • It has dark green leaves with gold margins.
  • The flowers are small and white, borne in clusters.
  • The fruit is a red berry.
  • Ilex golden king is native to China.
  • It was introduced into cultivation in Europe in 188
  • It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant.
  • Ilex golden king is tolerant of a wide range of soils and growing conditions.
  • It is generally pest and disease free.
  • Ilex golden king can be pruned to maintain a desired shape and size.

How to Grow

  1. For ilex golden king, first step is to find a place that gets full sun or partial sun.
  2. ilex golden king needs a well draining soil, so it is important to make sure the place you have chosen has good drainage.
  3. If the drainage is not good, you can improve it by mixing in some organic matter such as compost.
  4. Once you have found the perfect spot, it is time to plant your ilex golden king.
  5. Make sure to plant it at the same depth it was in the pot.
  6. Water your ilex golden king well after planting.
  7. ilex golden king is a slow grower, so don't expect it to grow too quickly.
  8. Fertilize your ilex golden king every month or so during the growing season.
  9. Prune your ilex golden king as needed to keep it shaped the way you want.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful ilex golden king!

Related plant:
Ilex Steeds

The Soil

About soil condition, Ilex golden king prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It grows best in full sun to partial shade, but can tolerate light shade. This holly is drought-tolerant once established.

Light requirement

Just like other hollies, the Ilex golden king holly prefers full sun but it will also tolerate some shade, especially during the heat of the day. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow to be 6-10 feet tall and wide. This holly is a slow grower, but it is relatively easy to care for once it is established.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of the Ilex golden king is very important to the plant's growth. If the temperature is too hot, the plant will wilt and the leaves will turn brown. If the temperature is too cold, the plant will die. The ideal temperature for the Ilex golden king is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. The Ilex Golden King is a type of holly that is known for its golden leaves. This plant originates from China and prefers humid conditions. When the humidity is too low, the leaves of the Ilex Golden King will start to turn brown and drop off. Once the leaves are gone, the plant will start to die.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this kind of plant requires a lot of fertilizer, so be sure to use a high-quality fertilizer when planting. Ilex golden king is a slow-growing plant, so it may take a few years for it to reach its full size. Be patient when growing this plant, as it takes time to mature. When it comes to roots, this plant has a strong root system, so be sure to plant it in an area where the roots can spread out and take hold.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is a critical part of keeping your Ilex golden king looking its best. The best time to prune is early spring, before new growth begins. However, you can prune at any time if necessary. Be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Cut off any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are rubbing against each other. You can also prune to shape the plant or to control its size.

About Propagating

Propagation of Ilex golden king is by seed. Sow seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. If seed is not available, take softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. Root cuttings in late winter.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is in the spring and summer. However, if the conditions are right, this plant can produce new growth throughout the year. Even during the winter, if the temperature is warm enough and there is enough moisture, this plant will continue to grow.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that are covered in a white, powdery substance. They feeding on the sap of plants, which can cause the leaves to yellow and the plant to weaken. Scale are small, hard-bodied insects that are often found on the stems and leaves of plants. They feed on the sap of plants, which can cause the leaves to yellow and the plant to weaken. Spider mites are small, eight-legged creatures that are often found on the undersides of leaves. They feed on the sap of plants, which can cause the leaves to yellow and the plant to weaken.

Basics of Growing

  • Do not forget to water your Ilex Golden Kings regularly. They are drought tolerant, but will perform best with consistent moisture.
  • Plant Ilex Golden Kings in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  • Fertilize your Ilex Golden Kings every few months with a well-balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your plants regularly to encourage new growth and keep them looking their best.
  • Be on the lookout for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if found.
  • Ilex Golden Kings are relatively low maintenance, but will benefit from occasional grooming.
  • These plants are relatively tolerant to cold weather, but may suffer damage if exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures.
  • Ilex Golden Kings make excellent additions to landscape beds, borders, and other garden areas.
  • With proper care, I

Alternative Plants

  • Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King' is a ornamental holly.
  • Ilex crenata 'Golden King' is a dwarf ornamental holly.
  • Ilex cornuta 'Golden King' is a male ornamental holly.
  • Ilex meserveae 'Golden King' is a female ornamental holly.
  • Ilex pedunculosa 'Golden King' is a ornamental holly.
  • Ilex perado 'Golden King' is a ornamental holly.
  • Ilex x aquipernyi 'Golden King' is a hybrid ornamental holly.
  • Ilex x rugosa 'Golden King' is a hybrid ornamental holly.
  • Ilex x smithii 'Golden King' is a hybrid ornamental holly.
  • Ilex x watsonii 'Golden King' is

Source:
King University | King University
Current Students | King University
Species: Ilex verticillata - Cornell University

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category