QUERCUS ilex std

Quercus ilex, the Holm oak, is a long-lived broadleaf evergreen valued for its dense, dark green foliage and strong year-round structure. It forms a rounded crown, responds well to pruning and clipping, and is widely used for evergreen screening and formal planting. Suited to coastal and urban sites, it tolerates salt-laden winds, periods of drought once established, and a wide range of soils including chalk. Grow in full sun or light shade in well-drained or moist but well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging. Ultimately a large tree, so allow space for its mature canopy.

This is a standard tree with a clear stem and a shaped crown above. The tree was grown up to this stem height and then pruned to stop the trunk growing taller. The clear stem will remain at the height you receive it at, with future growth coming from the top of the tree.

To help give a clear sense of scale, the stone wall shown in our photos measures approximately 265cm in height. We also use familiar garden tools as visual references: a digging fork (110cm tall) and a hand fork (30cm tall). These are included purely as size guides to help you better judge proportions when viewing the images.

Position: Full sun or light shade

Rate of Growth: Moderate

Soil: Well-drained or moist but well-drained; from acid to alkaline; tolerant of chalk

Hardiness: Hardy

Plant at a Glance