Ilex setchuenensis - Sechuan Holy

Ilex setchuenensis is a rare botanical holly in cultivation, which bears a strong resemblance to Ilex crenata. This evergreen bush with small, shiny, non-prickly oval leaves and a dense, compact habit is ideal for creating hedges at human height and has the advantage of growing faster than boxwood. It tolerates pruning well and is suitable for topiary. Plant it in a sunny or semi-shaded position, preferably in non-calcareous soil. Perfect in a Japanese garden, it also fits well in French-style gardens and makes a beautiful feature in a container on the terrace.

Ilex setchuenensis is a shrub in the Aquifoliaceae family. It has a moderately fast growth rate and a bushy, compact, and branched habit. At maturity, when allowed to grow freely, it will reach an average height of 1.75m (6ft) with a spread of 1.50m (5ft). Its small leaves, measuring 1.5cm (1in) in length, are slightly longer and more oval-shaped than those of Ilex crenata. Tough and glossy, the leaves are a medium green colour, lighter when young, with serrated edges but non-prickly. All hollies are dioecious plants, meaning there are male and female individuals. Only the female hollies bear fruit. The female holly produces small, insignificant but fragrant flowers in spring, with a dull white colour, which will develop into fleshy, round, shiny black berries after being pollinated by a nearby male holly. Identifying the sex of the flowers requires a trained eye; they all have four white petals and a waxy surface, but the male flowers can be recognised by their four prominent yellow anthers, while the female flowers have a short, green, oval-shaped pistil. The same shrub can produce both male and atrophied female flowers that cannot be pollinated. The seeds are dispersed by birds that are attracted to the fruits.

Faster-growing and more easily shaped to one's fancy than boxwood, Ilex setchuenensis holly will satisfy gardeners who enjoy French-style gardens, well-trimmed hedges, and plant sculptures, as well as collectors of rare plants. It is perfect for hedges, whether single-species or mixed, along with Elaeagnus, Laurustinus, or Mexican orange blossom. It primarily dislikes excessive sunlight and lime-rich soil, which cause its beautiful foliage to turn yellow, and prefers well-drained, loose, deep, and fairly fertile soil. Hardy, it thrives in semi-shaded areas, such as woodland edges or undergrowth, in a large natural garden. When grown in isolation, shaped into topiary, or trained as a small tree, it becomes a focal point in winter. It can also be used in large containers. Plant it generously in Zen gardens alongside bamboo, Japanese maples, camellias, etc. This holly also performs well in pots.

Hollies are both beloved and misunderstood plants. The genus comprises nearly 800 deciduous or evergreen species, generally native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere. These ancient plants have experienced alternating periods of glaciation and dry, hot periods in our climatic history, making them extremely adaptable and resilient. Their wood, which ranges from white to cream, is very low in water content, even when green. It is dense and heavy but soft and easy to work with in woodworking. It is also an excellent fuel for heating, usable even when green. Finally, its foliage and (inedible) berries are rich in caffeine.