Quercus ilex – A Resilient Evergreen Oak for Year-Round Appeal
Quercus ilex (Holm Oak) is a hardy, evergreen tree known for its dense, leathery dark green leaves and sturdy, upright form. This Mediterranean native is perfect for larger garden spaces, parklands, and coastal areas, offering year-round structure, resilience, and natural beauty. Its slow growth and wide canopy provide excellent shade, while its tough foliage ensures it thrives in a variety of conditions.
Why Grow Quercus ilex?
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Evergreen Foliage – Dense, leathery leaves offer year-round interest, providing shelter and beauty in all seasons.
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Resilient & Hardy – Tolerant to drought, wind, and poor soils, making it an ideal tree for challenging conditions.
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Ideal for Larger Spaces – Perfect for adding height and structure to expansive gardens or as a windbreak in coastal areas.
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Low Maintenance – Requires minimal care once established, making it a practical and enduring choice for any landscape.
Height of Plant Quercus ilex grows slowly but steadily, reaching 10-15 metres in height over time, ideal for creating a majestic, long-lasting feature in your garden.
Where to Site Your Quercus ilex This robust tree thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It is perfect for:
- Larger gardens and parklands
- Coastal areas and wind-prone locations
- Hedge and screening plantings
How to Grow and Care for Your Quercus ilex
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Soil – Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, but is tolerant of a variety of soil types.
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Light – Thrives in full sun; it will grow best with plenty of sunlight, which enhances its dense foliage.
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Watering – Once established, Quercus ilex is drought-tolerant, but regular watering is beneficial when young.
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Maintenance:
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Pruning – Light pruning may be needed to maintain shape and remove deadwood.
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Mulching – Apply mulch around the base to conserve moisture and prevent weed growth.
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Pest & Disease Resistance – Very resistant to pests and diseases, making it an easy-care choice.
Perfect Plant Combinations Quercus ilex pairs well with other Mediterranean plants such as lavenders, rosemary, and olive trees, as well as drought-tolerant grasses and flowering perennials. Its sturdy structure and rich green foliage provide a perfect backdrop for other plants, creating a Mediterranean-inspired garden with minimal effort.
With its resilient, evergreen beauty, Quercus ilex is an excellent choice for larger landscapes, providing shade, shelter, and timeless elegance. Whether as a solitary specimen or part of a larger planting, this hardy oak adds a touch of Mediterranean charm to any outdoor space.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.