Ilex colchica Black Sea holly - female

Black Sea holly lives naturally in the regions of Balkan Peninsula, Caucasus, and some parts of Turkey. It is becoming less and less common in the wild mainly because of excess exploitation of forests which make the typical microclimate for this holly. It used to be considered a subspecies of common holly ilex aquifoilum until Antonina Ivanovna Pojarkova gave detailed description and comparison for this plant, and classified it as separate species.

Black Sea holly is an evergreen shrub with beautiful, emerald green leaves that are leathery, 3-6 cm long, distinctly toothed but usually not spiny. They grow alternately along light green to yellow-green stems and densely cover the plant. Black Sea holly is a slow grower, making a medium-sized shrub that is usually wider than tall in our climate. Female plants produce small, red berries, but are unlikely to fruit profusely here. It is grown for its evergreen, highly decorative leaves and compact habit. Pruning is possible in early spring after frosts.

This holly needn’t be protected from hot Balkan sun here, so you can grow it in full European sun, too, as well as part shade. It does best in evenly moist but well-drained, light, and fertile soil. Once established it can take periods of drought. If you live in a region with extreme winters and long-lasting frosts we recommend growing it in a position sheltered from drying winds, and protected from winter sun. Before and during winter, when the soil is not frozen, provide good watering. Reliably hardy to min. -24°C (USDA zone 6), possibly more (not yet trialed).

Last update 20-01-2013; 06-02-2017