Ornatec InternationalSpecies reference sheet ยท ornatecinternational.com
Ilex asprella
Rough-leaved Holly
Ilex asprella is a slender deciduous holly of the hills of southern China, Taiwan and northern Vietnam, better known across the region as a medicinal plant than as an ornamental. It makes a light, open shrub of 1 to 3 metres, with thin papery leaves, small white spring flowers and black fruit on the female plants.
In landscape terms it is a woodland-edge species: a naturalistic filler for shaded and semi-shaded ground in subtropical schemes rather than a display shrub.
Specifications
- Height1 to 3 metres
- Width1 to 2 metres
- Native toSouthern China, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines
- FoliageThin, papery, ovate leaves with a slightly roughened surface; deciduous
- Growth rateModerate
Conditions
- SoilPrefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils with good organic content
- LightFull sun to partial shade
- WaterModerate; keep evenly moist
- ClimateThrives in humid subtropical regions
Additional Features
- FlowersSmall white flowers in spring, borne on separate male and female plants
- FruitSmall black drupes on female plants through autumn
- UsesWoodland-edge and naturalistic planting, informal screening, ecological and restoration schemes
- SpacingPlant 1.5 to 2 metres apart for an informal group
- Low MaintenanceRequires only occasional thinning of old wood
- Pest ResistanceGenerally sound in cultivation
- Wildlife AttractionFruit is taken by birds through the autumn
Rough-leaved Holly is a quiet, naturalistic shrub for humid subtropical schemes where the planting is meant to read as native rather than designed.
Availability by project review. Sizes, quantities, origin and export readiness are confirmed after your plant schedule is reviewed against destination, timing and quarantine requirements. MEWA certified for supply into Saudi Arabia; Australian Export Registered Establishment.
Enquiries: sales@ornatecinternational.com
310 Donkin Rd, Utchee Creek QLD 4871, Australia
Prepared 08 September 2026