Maintenance Landscaping Design

Quercus ilex is an evergreen oak tree native to the Mediterranean region. It is the only member of the genus quercus to be found in that area. The tree is also known as ilex oak, holm oak, or holly oak. quercus ilex is a large tree, growing to 20 m (66 ft) tall and with a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft). The leaves are spirally arranged, 10–25 cm (4–10 in) long and 2–3 cm (0.79–1.18 in) broad, with sharp spiny-toothed margins. The flowers are catkins, produced in spring. The fruit is a acorn, 2–3 cm (0.79–1.18 in) long and 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) broad, with a cupule.

Popular name

• holly oak
  
• holm oak
  
• evergreen oak
  
• cork oak
  
• ilex oak

Good to Know

• Quercus ilex is a species of oak tree in the beech family.
  
• It is native to the Mediterranean region, from Morocco and Spain east to Italy and Greece.
  
• It is an evergreen tree, with dark green leaves.
  
• The fruit is a small acorn, which is eaten by many animals including birds and squirrels.
  
• The tree is used for timber and firewood.
  
• It is also used in the production of cork.
  
• The leaves are used in herbal medicine.
  
• It is a popular ornamental tree.
  
• It can live to a very old age, with some trees estimated to be over 1,000 years old.
  
• The wood of the tree is used in the manufacture of furniture, flooring and other wood products.

How to Grow

1. For quercus ilex, first step is to find a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil.
   
2. Clear the area of any debris or weeds.
   
3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball.
   
4. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down as you go.
   
5. Water the tree deeply.
   
6. Apply a layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk of the tree.
   
7. water the tree regularly, especially during the first growing season.
   
8. Fertilize the tree in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
   
9. Prune the tree as needed to shape and encourage growth.
   
10. Enjoy your lovely quercus ilex!

Related plant:
Quercus Macrocarpa

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, ilex crenata grow in the garden the best in well-drained, acidic to neutral soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not wet. Ilex crenata can also tolerate drought and salt once established.

Light requirement

Similar to other types of oak trees, the holm oak tree is known to be very sun-loving. In fact, it is known to be one of the most sun-loving oak trees out there. This means that it requires quite a bit of sun in order to thrive. If you are thinking of planting a holm oak tree, make sure that you have a spot in your yard that gets plenty of sun throughout the day.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions that are best for Quercus ilex growth are those that are cool and moist. This tree does not tolerate heat or drought well and will not thrive in these conditions. The ideal temperature range for this tree is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-70%. Allow the top few inches of the soil to dry out in between watering. These trees are drought tolerant once they are established, but will require more water when they are first planted.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this plant requires very little fertilizer to do well. In fact, over-fertilization can actually harm this plant. When it comes to roots, the roots of the holm oak are quite strong and can cause damage to sidewalks and driveways if not kept in check.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important aspect of caring for a Quercus ilex, also known as a holly oak. This evergreen tree can grow to be quite large, so pruning is necessary to keep it looking its best. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches. It is also a good idea to thin out the tree to allow more sunlight and air to reach the inner branches.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Quercus ilex can be achieved through both sexual and asexual methods. Sexual propagation, or planting seeds, is the more common method and can be done by either collecting acorns from the wild or purchasing them from a nursery. Acorns should be planted in the fall, as they need a period of cold stratification in order to break dormancy. Asexual propagation, or taking cuttings, can be done with both hardwood and softwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth, while softwood cuttings should be taken from the current year's new growth. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should be planted in a well-drained rooting medium.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is fast during the first and second year. After that, the growth slows down considerably, with an average mature tree growing only about 10-15 cm (4-6 in) per year. This plant is drought tolerant and can live on very little water once it is established.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are drought, waterlogging, and frost. Drought stress can cause the leaves to turn brown and drop off, while waterlogging can cause the roots to rot. Frost can damage the leaves and buds, causing them to become blackened and distorted.

Growing Tips

• Make sure to plant your quercus ilex in an area that receives full sun.
  
• Quercus ilex does best in well-drained soils.
  
• Water your quercus ilex regularly, especially during the summer months.
  
• Fertilize your quercus ilex every year in early spring.
  
• Prune your quercus ilex as needed to maintain its shape and size.
  
• Be on the lookout for pests and diseases that can affect your quercus ilex.
  
• Harvest your quercus ilex acorns in the fall.
  
• Protect your quercus ilex from severe weather conditions.
  
• Plant quercus ilex in an area where it will not be disturbed by construction or other activity.
  
• Enjoy the many benefits that quercus ilex has to offer

You May Like

• Quercus stellata is a North American species of oak in the white oak section.
  
• Quercus coccinea, the scarlet oak, is an oak in the red oak section.
  
• Quercus velutina, the black oak, is a North American species of oak in the red oak section.
  
• Quercus rubra, the northern red oak or champion oak, is an oak in the red oak section.
  
• Quercus garryana, the Oregon white oak or Garry oak, is a North American white oak.
  
• Quercus muehlenbergii, the chinkapin oak, is a North American species of oak in the white oak section.
  
• Quercus macrocarpa, the bur oak, sometimes spelled burr oak, is a North American species of oak in the white oak section.
  
• Querc

Source:
Quercus ilex (Evergreen Oak, Holly Oak, Holm Oak)
Quercus ilex - Wikipedia
Biomass Equations for Quercus ilex L. in the Montseny Massif ...