Holly Oak - Quercus ilex

Holly Oak - Quercus ilex

Quercus ilex is one of the great evergreen oaks, a tree of genuine permanence and Old World authority. At advanced size, it arrives with canopy presence already established, delivering immediate screening, deep shade, and a structural gravitas that lesser plantings take decades to approach.

Why Holly Oak

Evergreen structure: Dense, dark foliage holds year-round, providing consistent coverage and visual weight across all seasons.
Architectural canopy: Develops a broad, well-resolved form that anchors large-scale compositions with confidence.
Exceptional durability: Tolerates heat, coastal exposure, wind, and urban stress without compromise to performance or appearance.
Privacy and shelter: Dense habit makes it one of the most effective screening species available at advanced size.
Mediterranean provenance: Carries an inherent elegance suited to formal, classical, and contemporary high-end landscapes alike.

Ideal Applications

Prestige feature planting: A commanding specimen for estate entrances, open lawns, and focal points on significant properties.
Screening and shelter belts: Provides immediate privacy and wind protection along boundaries and perimeters.
Formal and structured landscapes: Integral to classical European-influenced design schemes and symmetrical compositions.
Urban and commercial projects: Proven performance in streetscapes, civic spaces, and high-specification commercial developments.

Specimen & Installation

Spacing (screening/hedge): 3–5m
Spacing (feature/avenue): 8–15m
Planting Season: Autumn to early spring, avoiding the hottest summer months
Soil & Drainage: Adaptable to a wide range of soils including clay, loam, and sandy soils; tolerates poor, dry, and alkaline conditions; requires good drainage
Establishment Care: Water deeply and regularly for the first two to three years until established, then reduce to occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods. Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch clear of the trunk.

Plant Details

Height: 15–25m
Width: 10–20m
Growth Rate: Slow
Foliage: Evergreen
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Native to: Mediterranean region and south-west Europe
Flower Colour: Insignificant