Ilex rotundaKurogane Holly

The Ilex rotunda, or Kurogane Holly, is an evergreen tree of southern China, Japan and Korea, densely crowned and glossy-leaved, that spends autumn and winter loaded with small bright red berries. Female trees carry the fruit; a male in the vicinity is needed for a full set.

It grows to 5 to 15 metres with a naturally rounded, even crown, which is why it is used as much for formal avenue and courtyard work in East Asia as it is for its winter colour.

Specifications

• Height5 to 15 metres, occasionally to 20 metres
• Width5 to 8 metres
• Native toSouthern China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam
• FoliageGlossy, leathery, elliptic dark green leaves with entire margins; evergreen
• Growth rateModerate

Conditions

• SoilPrefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils
• LightFull sun to partial shade
• WaterModerate; keep evenly moist through the establishment period
• ClimateThrives in warm temperate and humid subtropical regions

Additional Features

• FlowersSmall greenish white flowers in spring, followed on female trees by dense clusters of bright red berries
• UsesFormal avenue and courtyard planting, screening, park specimens and urban squares
• SpacingPlant 6 to 8 metres apart for avenue work, or 3 to 4 metres apart for a screen
• Low MaintenanceHolds an even crown without shaping; clips well where a formal outline is wanted
• Pest ResistanceGenerally resilient with basic care
• Seasonal AppealHeavy red berry display carried through autumn and winter
• Wildlife AttractionBerries are a significant winter food source for birds

The Kurogane Holly gives a dense evergreen crown year round and a heavy berry display through the months when a scheme has least to offer.