Holm Oak

Quercus ilex

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: deep, fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: slow-growing
• Flowering period: June
• Flower colour: golden-yellow male catkins
• Other features: useful as a windbreak in coastal gardens
• Hardiness: fully hardy

  
  A rounded, evergreen tree with lance-shaped, dark green leaves and smooth dark grey bark. In June the new, silver-white leaves appear, along with the golden-yellow male catkins, followed in autumn by rounded acorns, either singularly or in bunches. An attractive tree which tolerates salt spray and strong winds, and is often seen planted as a windbreak or along avenues in coast towns.
  

• Garden care: When planting incorporate plenty of well- rotted organic matter in to the planting hole. Minimal pruning is required.
  
  
• Goes well with: Eucalyptus gunni, Chamaerops humilis, Escallonia 'Donard Seedling', Hebe 'Autumn Glory', Agapanthus 'Blue Giant'