Ilex aquifolium Myrtifolia - Common Holly

Ilex aquifolium 'Myrtifolia' is a particularly ornamental variety of the common holly. It has delicate and narrow foliage that is beautifully cut, which also gives it the name Myrtle-leaved Holly. Moderately spiny, the leaves are a dark green that sparkle in the sun.  They are finely serrated along the edges. This evergreen shrub has a compact, dense, and upright habit, and is a male cultivar that does not produce fruits. The decorative value of this shrub is also due to its particularly elegant conical shape. It will make a great impression when planted alone in a small garden or even in a large pot on the terrace!

Hollies belong to the family of aquifoliaceae. Ilex aquifolium is an evergreen shrub mainly native to Europe.  Commonly found, it likes deep soils and cool to wet areas, but can also adapt to open spaces. It is a dioecious species, meaning that there are male and female plants. The 'Myrtifolia' cultivar only bears male flowers and does not produce fruit. It has a rather slow growth and will reach an average height of 3.5 meters (11 feet 6 inches) with a width of 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches) depending on the growing conditions. The shrub has a clearly conical and slender habit, supported by thin upright branches. The evergreen and leathery foliage is characterized by long and narrow leaves, finely toothed along the edges but not very prickly. The dark green leaves are very shiny with a tin-like reflection on top. The bark of this small tree is green when young, then turns grey and smooth. The common Holly is a long-lived species, capable of living up to 400 to 500 years.

Ilex aquifolium 'Myrtifolia' deserves a prominent place in the garden. Its compact habit and graphic appearance is well suited for a small garden with a contemporary or urban style. It also fits perfectly on an elegant terrace, placed in a carefully chosen large container. It has the advantage of adapting to many growing conditions while adding a touch of originality to the garden. It is also perfect in mixed planting, accompanied by some deciduous shrubs with autumn foliage (Parrotia, Cotinus, Sorbus domestica...) and grey-blue conifers for contrast. It dislike dry air and shallow soils instead preferring a cool position. Plant it in cold regions, along with hawthorns, snowberries, and other evergreen or deciduous hollies.

Hollies are both beloved plants and little-known vegetation. The genus includes nearly 800 deciduous or evergreen species, usually native to the temperate northern hemisphere. These very ancient plants have experienced glacial periods and dry and hot periods in our climatic history, which makes them extremely adaptable and resistant plants. Their wood, white to cream, is very low in water, even when green. It is dense and heavy, but soft and easy to work with in cabinetmaking. It is also an excellent fuel for heating.