As Seen On Dragons' Den! Use Code 'DRAGONS' For 10% Off Your First Order!
Back
Quercus ilex
Quercus ilex
Quercus ilex
Quercus ilex

Quercus ilex

TAXONOMY

FamilyFagaceae
GenusQuercus
Zone7

ABOUT

Quercus ilex, commonly known as the Holm Oak or Holly Oak, is a large evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the Fagaceae family and the Quercus genus. This tree is known for its dense, dark green foliage and its ability to thrive in dry, rocky soils. It has a dormancy period during the winter months.

ALSO KNOWN AS

Evergreen Oak
Holly Oak
Holm Oak
Quercus alpina
Quercus ballota var. grandifolia
Quercus ballota var. obovatifolia
Quercus bellota
Quercus castellana
Quercus crispa
Quercus cyclophylla
Quercus expansa
Quercus fagifolia
Quercus fordii
Quercus glauca
Quercus gracilis
Quercus gramuntia
Quercus ilex f. ambigua
Quercus ilex f. microphylla
Quercus ilex f. obesa
Quercus ilex f. stenocarpa
Quercus ilex f. urceolata
Quercus ilex f. vulgaris
Quercus ilex subsp. gracilis
Quercus ilex subsp. montserratensis
Quercus ilex subsp. refugiorum
Quercus ilex var. ambigua
Quercus ilex var. angustifolia
Quercus ilex var. aperta
Quercus ilex var. argentata
Quercus ilex var. brachycalyx
Quercus ilex var. cerasifolia
Quercus ilex var. conocarpa
Quercus ilex var. constricta
Quercus ilex var. cordifolia
Quercus ilex var. crispa
Quercus ilex var. crispata
Quercus ilex var. cylindrocarpa
Quercus ilex var. denudata
Quercus ilex var. depressa
Quercus ilex var. elegans
Quercus ilex var. ellipticifolia
Quercus ilex var. eucalyptoides
Quercus ilex var. expansa
Quercus ilex var. fagifolia
Quercus ilex var. fimbriata
Quercus ilex var. fordii
Quercus ilex var. geminiflora
Quercus ilex var. genabii
Quercus ilex var. genuina
Quercus ilex var. glaucocaesia
Quercus ilex var. gracilis
Quercus ilex var. gramunita
Quercus ilex var. grandifolia
Quercus ilex var. integrifolia
Quercus ilex var. intermedia
Quercus ilex var. lanceolata
Quercus ilex var. latifolia
Quercus ilex var. laurifolia
Quercus ilex var. longifolia
Quercus ilex var. macrocarpa
Quercus ilex var. macrophylla
Quercus ilex var. marcetii
Quercus ilex var. microbalana
Quercus ilex var. microcarpa
Quercus ilex var. mirabilis
Quercus ilex var. myrtifolia
Quercus ilex var. obesa
Quercus ilex var. oblongifolia
Quercus ilex var. obovatifolia
Quercus ilex var. oleifolia
Quercus ilex var. oosperma
Quercus ilex var. operculata
Quercus ilex var. ovatiacutifolia
Quercus ilex var. ovifolia
Quercus ilex var. parvifolia
Quercus ilex var. pisiformis
Quercus ilex var. plicata
Quercus ilex var. polycarpa
Quercus ilex var. reducta
Quercus ilex var. refugiorum
Quercus ilex var. revoluta
Quercus ilex var. rhododendrifolia
Quercus ilex var. rostrata
Quercus ilex var. salicifolia
Quercus ilex var. serratifolia
Quercus ilex var. sinuosifolia
Quercus ilex var. smilax
Quercus ilex var. sphaerocarpa
Quercus ilex var. spinifolia
Quercus ilex var. spinulosa
Quercus ilex var. stenocarpa
Quercus ilex var. strangulata
Quercus ilex var. subocculata
Quercus ilex var. subrevoluta
Quercus ilex var. subsphaerocarpa
Quercus ilex var. turbinata
Quercus ilex var. undulata
Quercus ilex var. urceolata
Quercus ilicifolia
Quercus integrifolia
Quercus laurei
Quercus marcetii
Quercus mixta
Quercus montserratensis
Quercus murbeckii
Quercus oblonga
Quercus pseud-ilex
Quercus rotundifolia f. expansa
Quercus sempervirens
Quercus sinuata
Quercus smilax
Quercus smilax var. fordii
Quercus variifolia

OVERVIEW

WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar

DETAILS

Care Instructions
Quercus ilex requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It thrives in moderate temperatures and prefers environments with moderate humidity. Watering should be done sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. This tree is well-suited for outdoor growth and can tolerate drought conditions once established.
Soil
The Holm Oak prefers well-draining loamy soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types but performs best in soils that are not waterlogged. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues.
Fertilizer
Quercus ilex does not have high fertilizer requirements. If necessary, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring to support new growth. Over-fertilization should be avoided to prevent nutrient imbalances.
Repotting
Repotting is generally not required for mature Holm Oaks, as they are typically grown outdoors. However, young trees or container-grown specimens may need repotting every few years to accommodate their growing root systems. Repot in the spring, using a well-draining soil mix.
Propagation
Propagation of Quercus ilex can be done through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be collected in the fall and sown immediately, as they have a short viability period. Cuttings can be taken in late summer and rooted in a well-draining medium.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and health of the Holm Oak. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation.
Toxicity
Quercus ilex is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, as with all plants, it is advisable to prevent pets and children from ingesting any part of the plant.
Additional
Holm Oaks are highly valued for their hard, durable wood, which is used in construction and furniture making. They are also important for wildlife, providing habitat and food for various species. Regular monitoring for pests and diseases is recommended to ensure the health of the tree.
REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor

Plant Monitor

STAYS IN YOUR PLANT

Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).

Shop Now
Mobile App

Mobile App

DOWNLOAD ON YOUR DEVICE

Evaluates your plants' data, current weather, seasonality and more to precisely notify you about your plants needs. The app also comes loaded with many extra features to ensure your plants flourish.

newsletter background

Join Our Growing Community

Join for 10% off your first purchase, exclusive offers, better plant care, and more