PLANTS OF COMMON HOLLY - ILEX AQUIFOLIUM

Shrub or small tree used for forestry purposes, but also for ornamental use. Medicinal. Excellent for hedges and well-known to decorate houses at Christmas. The leaves and berries are used to decorate the houses at Christmas. It has diuretic and laxative properties if used as herbal tea. The wood is of great value in cabinet-making and carpentry. It is a protected species therefore the berries must not be collected in forests without authorization.

Evergreen up to 10 m. with oval thorny and bright dark green leaves. Vivid red berries very decorative and little white flowers.

Prefers cool and protected soils.

Dig a hole at least two or three times as wide and deep as the root ball. Take out the plant from the container and loosen roots to allow them to spread out in all direction. Cut possible broken roots. Mix the soil extracted with a substrate and fill part of the hole with the mixture obtained. Place the plant in the hole and cover with the remaining mixture. Compact the soil around the plant and water thoroughly.