Ilex aquifolium 'NORTHERN LIGHTS' holly
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
1,5-3m
usual width
1-2m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
insignificant or non-blooming
location
full to partial sun
soil type
acidic (peaty)
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
7 (down to -23°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Description of the plant:
Since we specialize in evergreen broadleaved plants we are always happy to see a beautiful novelty belonging to this group. Northern Lights is a beautiful holly from Dutch nursery town Boskoop, and was found as a naturally occurring mutation of AlaAlaska holly in 1998 by Peter Spek. Northern Lights holly bears deep green, glossy leaves that have vivid yellow centres and sharp spines along their undulated margins. It has upright growth forming a densely branched, pyramidal shaped shrub. Being a sport of Alaska this variety is a female plant that produces vivid red berries in autumn if a pollinator is nearby.
Variegated hollies are versatile in use. They can stand alone as attractive medium-sized specimen shrubs, or they can be a part of a large mixed border or landscape combined with other evergreen plans such as conifers, rhododendrons or cherry laurels. Once established it grows medium fast or fast and can easily be pruned so you can soon model a desired shape. Pruning in April will encourage new growths, trimming by end July is ideal for shaping.
Grow hollies in moist but well-drained, light and fertile soil. They can take periods of drought once established. Hollies do best in full sun but can also grow in shade. This variety proved very hardy even in full sun in winter. However, if you live in a region with cold winters and long-lasting frost we recommend growing it in position sheltered from drying winds, and preferably shaded from winter sun. Before and during winter when the soil is not frozen or water-logged provide careful watering. Hardy to min. -24°C (USDA zone 6), and is expected to take even stronger frost.
Last update 31-01-2011; 01-12-2011
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GLOSSARY
- STANDARD QUALITY - Plants of this group are 1st class quality with number of branches and overall density adequate to their size and age, considering they were container grown.
- DE LUXE QUALITY - This label guarantees a luxurious quality of manually selected plants that, compared to their height and age, are exceptionally dense and beautiful.
- EXTRA - These plants are usually mature and bigger specimens with exceptional overall appearance.
- STANDARD (as described in the plant form) means a tree with a trunk of 190-210 cm and a crown at the top, unless specified differently. The commercial size for trees is their girth measured in the height of 1m from ground.
- HOBBY - These plants are of the same quality as our standard-quality plants but younger and therefore cheaper.
- SHRUB - a woody plant with branches growing bushy from the ground level.
- HALF-STANDARD or MINI-STANDARD - a small tree with shorter trunk, its size is usually specified.
- FEATHERED - These are trees with branches growing already from the base of the trunk and up along the stem.
- GRASSES and PERENNIALS - Sizes given usually read the diameter of the pot or the clump, as specified.
