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Quercus ilex

The classic English oak is of course a deciduous tree, but the oak family includes evergreen forms. The species Quercus ilex is mainly found in southern Europe, the name reflects the green holly-like leaves which are a key characteristic. It is not native to the UK, but it has been grown here for centuries, and is often known as the Holm oak. 

In UK conditions the Holm oak becomes an attractive large spreading tree, likely to be more than 6m in the first 10 years. It does best on well-drained deep soils, but tolerates almost any soil and situation. As with all oaks times is on its side - it grows slowly but is very long-lived, and there are many Holm oaks in the British Isles which have more than one century under their belts.

The Holm oak tree produces catkins in the summer, which turn into acorns in the autumn. Although a true year-round evergreen, it does shed older leaves in the spring.

Quercus ilex oak for sale

All our pot-grown trees are grown for us to our specification by the Frank P Matthews nursery.

All pot-grown trees are suitable for planting out in the garden, some are suitable for growing in containers.

  • 12-year pot-grown tree £66.50
    Grown for us by Frank P Matthews nursery
    In a 7L pot
    Very large size (4m-7m after 10 years)
    Out of stock
    Sorry we have sold out for this season
  • 22-year pot-grown tree £72.00
    Grown for us by Frank P Matthews nursery
    In a 12L pot
    Very large size (4m-7m after 10 years)
Next deliveries

Order now for delivery from week commencing 24th February.

Quercus ilex characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • Attractive featuresAttractive tree / plant
  • Growth habitUpright-spreading / Vase
  • Height after 10 years5m-8m / 16ft-25ft
  • PruningPrune hardNo need to prune
  • Growth rateSlow
  • Site conditionsSheltered siteCoastal siteOccasional floodingOccasional droughtFree-draining site
  • Flowering monthJune
  • Leaf colourGreen
  • BarkGrey
  • Annual cycleEvergreen

What will it look like?

Illustrative example of a pot-grown tree of this variety as supplied. Approximate girth: 6/8cm. We try to keep all pot-grown trees down to about 1.5m as supplied, but some may be larger. Trees should reach their mature height after about 10 or more years.

Quercus Ilex oak tree

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