Ilex cornuta is a large , evergreen shrub with lustrous black fleeceable , often spiny , blocky to ellipse - shape leaves , 2 to 3 inches long . lowering craw of red-faced berries , to 1/2 inch in diameter , stay on throughout the winter . Effective hedge , screen , espalier , or garden specimen . Older flora may be pruned into small Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Easy and durable . exceedingly hotness and drought tolerant . Does well in full sunshine or part spectre in almost any dirt .

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Characteristics

Requirements

Plant Care

Fertilizing

Light

You will notice that sun and shade patterns modify during the day . The western side of a firm may even be shady due to shadows roam by large tree or a social system from an side by side property . If you have just bought a raw home or just begin to garden in your honest-to-goodness nursing home , take clip to represent sunlight and refinement throughout the day . You will get a more exact flavor for your site ’s dead on target light conditions . weather condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer visible light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Sunday , can be considered part sunlight or part shade . If you last in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun vulnerability may be fine . In other arena such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon tad will be received . Conditions : Full to Partial SunFull sunlightis needed for many plants to assume their full electric potential . Many of these plant will do fine with a little less sunshine , although they may not blossom as heavily or their foliage as vivacious . Areas on the southern and western incline of building usually are the sunniest . The only exception is when houses or buildings are so close together , shadows are cast from neighboring properties . Full sunshine usually means 6 or more hours of direct unobstructed sunlight on a sunny day . Partial Dominicus receives less than 6 hours of sun , but more than 3 hour . Plants capable to take full sun in some climates may only be able to suffer part sun in other climates . Know the polish of the plant before you grease one’s palms and embed it!Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , cutting , shearing and rejuvenate .

Pinching is removing the stem tips of a young plant to upgrade branching . Doing this ward off the indigence for more severe pruning later on .

cutting involves absent whole branches back to the trunk . This may be done to open up the Interior Department of a plant to let more light in and to increase aviation circulation that can cut down down on plant disease . The estimable mode to begin cutting is to begin by removing all in or pathological wood .

Shearing is leveling the surface of a bush using bridge player or galvanizing shears . This is done to keep the trust shape of a hedging or topiary .

rejuvenate is remotion of old branches or the overall reduction of the size of a shrub to restore its original form and sizing . It is recommend that you do not remove more than one third of a plant life at a time . Remember to withdraw branches from the inside of the plant as well as the outside . When rejuvenating plants with canes , such as nandina , reduce back canes at various heights so that plant will have a more raw look . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant performance , it is suitable to pit the correct industrial plant with the available lightsome conditions . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " stretch out - out visual aspect . Also gestate plants to grow slow and have few blush when ignitor is less than desirable . It is possible to allow for supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much luminosity . If a nuance bed plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged . Conditions : Full SunFull Sunis define as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous , verbatim sun per solar day .

Watering

  • The key to tearing is water deeply and less oft . When tearing , body of water well , i.e. put up enough body of water to soundly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this imply thoroughly soak the territory until water has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to reserve water to course through the drain holes .

  • attempt to water plants too soon in the sidereal day or afterwards in the afternoon to conserve water supply and rationalize down on plant life stress . Do water early enough so that weewee has had a chance to dry out from works parting prior to dark crepuscle . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .

  • Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .

  • regard weewee conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which lento dribble moisture forthwith on the root system can be purchase at your local dwelling and garden sum . mulch can significantly cool down the root zona and maintain wet .

  • think adding water - lay aside gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a creation of difference especially under stressful condition . Be sure to fall out label counselling for their use .

circumstance : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be observe equally moist and watered regularly , as stipulation demand . Most plants like 1 in of water a hebdomad during the growing season , but take attention not to over water supply . The first two year after a plant is installed , regular lacrimation is important for validation . The first year is critical . It is better to water system once a week and water deep , than to pee frequently for a few minutes .

Planting

Pruning deciduous shrubs can be divided into 4 groups : Those that requireminimal pruning(take out only deadened , diseased , discredited , or crossed branches , can be done in early spring.);spring pruning(encourages vigorous , new growth which produces summer flowers - in other words , flowers seem on new wood);summer pruning after flower(after flowering , cut back shoots , and take out some of the sometime growth , down to the ground);suckering habit pruning(flowers come along on wood from old year . Cut back bloom stems by 1/2 , to unattackable growing unexampled shoot and remove 1/2 of the flower stanch a twain of in from the ground ) Always off dead , damaged or diseased wood first , no matter what eccentric of pruning you are doing .

Examples : Minimal : Amelanchier , Aronia , Chimonanthus , Clethra , Cornus alternifolia , Daphne , Fothergilla , Hamamelis , Poncirus , Viburnum . Spring : Abelia , Buddleia , Datura , Fuchsia , Hibiscus , Hypericum , Perovskia , Spirea douglasii / japonica , Tamarix . summertime after flower : Buddleia alternifolia , Calycanthus , Chaenomeles , Corylus , Cotoneaster , Deutzia , Forsythia , Magnolia x soulangeana / stellata , Philadelphus , Rhododendron sp . , Ribes , Spirea x arguta / prunifolia / thunbergii , Syringa , Weigela . Suckering : KerriaHow - to : Planting ShrubsDig a trap twice the sizing of the root ball and deep enough to plant at the same tier the shrub was in the container . If grunge is misfortunate , dig hole even extensive and satisfy with a mixture half original filth and one-half compost or soil amendment .

cautiously remove bush from container and gently disjoined root . Position in nerve center of hole , best side facing forrad . Fill in with original grime or an rectify miscellanea if needed as account above . For larger bush , build a weewee well . Finish by mulch and watering well .

If the plant life is ball - and - burlapped , remove fasteners and close up back the top of natural burlap , tucking it down into pickle , after you ’ve positioned shrub . ensure that all burlap is lay to rest so that it wo n’t wick water away from rootball during hot , dry periods . If synthetical gunny , remove if possible . If not possible , cut away or make slits to reserve for roots to build up into the new ground . For larger shrubs , build a water well . Finish by mulching and watering well .

If shrub is unsheathed - ascendant , look for a discoloration somewhere near the pedestal ; this mark is likely where the soil line was . If soil is too flaxen or too clayey , supply constitutional subject . This will aid with both drain and weewee holding capacity . Fill soil , tauten just enough to patronise bush . Finish by mulching and watering well . How - to : Pruning Flowering HedgesCareful selection , planting and initial pruning is critical for a uniform courtly or informal hedge . The safest time to dress most flowering hedges is immediately after flowering . This way you do not clip off newly forming buds if you wait until later in the year . Initially , dilute back leaders and lateral by one third to one one-half on planting . In second season , once efflorescence is complete , bring down back again by about one - third .

A hedgerow can provide privateness and tax shelter from idle words . hedge should be squish at a gentle angle , full at the substructure , to debar farting and head off C price . Stretch a line between two wager for a stratum top . cut down a template from heavy cardboard for a consistent form and move it along the hedgerow as you edit . Shears or an electrical trimmer should be check parallel to the line of the hedging . How - to : make a HedgeHedges can be trained to be informal with only periodic formation or to have a more formal shape with heady pruning .

fleece off the tops 2 to 6 inches several times during the first two season . Shearing of the tops and sides will promote branching . A common mistake people make is to slue the sides at a 90 degree slant . In this example the top maturation shades the bottom resulting in a leggy capable canopy . It is good to cut the sides at an angle so that they flare out at the bottom . This will see to it healthy and compact growth all the elbow room down to the bottom of the bush .

Problems

Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and recruit the works through the origin or the stem at grease level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , lessen watering . If a flora is too far last ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . moisten the spate with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts piddle solution . Fungicides can be used , allot to label direction . confer with a master for a legal passport of what fungicide to employ . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - corporal insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften seem like small piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and halt arm . They assail a wide compass of plants . The young be given to move around until they find a suited feeding stain , then they pay heed out in colony and provender . mealybug can undermine a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a dulcet content call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can conduct to an untempting mordant surface fungous growth called sooty mold .

Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce universe grade of mealy bugs . fungus kingdom : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily found on plant that do not have enough tune circulation or fair to middling light . problem are worse where dark are cool and daytime are strong and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is commonly found on the upper open of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and degenerate off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .

Prevention and Control : Plant insubordinate miscellany and space flora properly so they obtain equal light and tune circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is overriding for rose . Go easy on the N fertilizer . employ antifungal agent according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow centering exactly , not missing any postulate discourse . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave , bloom , or debris in the fall and put down . disease : Pythium and Phytophtora Root RotRot Rot , PythiumorPhytophthoraoccurs when soil moisture levels are too in high spirits and fungal spore present in the grunge , come in contact with the susceptible flora . The base of stems discolor and shrink , and leaves further up the chaff wilt disease and go . Leaves near base are strike first . The origin will turn black and molder or break . This fungi can be introduced by using unsterilized soil mix or contaminated water .

Prevention and ControlRemove regard plants and their beginning , and discard surrounding soil . Replace with flora that are not susceptible , and only use fresh , desexualise soil mixing . Hold back on fertilizing too . Try not to over water plant and make certain that ground is well drain prior to planting . This fungus is not treatable by chemicals .

Rhizoctonia Root and Stem Rot symptoms look similar to Pythium Root Rot , but the Rhizoctonia fungus seems to thrive in well run out soils . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungus or bacteria . Brown or fatal spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a pee soaked or yellow - abut coming into court . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even citizenry can help its spreading .

Prevention and Control : take away infect leave when the plant is dry . leaf that collect around the base of the plant should be scan up and disposed of . quash overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at territory level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommend fungicide according to label directions .

Fungi : Black SpotA known rose disease , Black Spotappears on young leaves as maverick black circle , often give a white-livered ring . Circles or spore colonies may grow to 1/2 inch in diam . Leaves will deform xanthous and spend off , only to produce more leaves that will pursue the same pattern . Roses may not make it through the winter if dim spot is severe . The fungus will also affect the size of it and tone of flowers .

Prevention and Control : establish immune variety for your domain . Always water from the ground , never overhead . Practice practiced sanitisation - clean up and destroy debris , especially around plants that have had a problem . When cut rosebush , even deadheading , free fall pruners in a bleaching agent / H2O solution after each gash . If a plant seems to have chronic black spot , absent it . A 2 - 3 inch thickset stratum of mulch at the cornerstone of plant reduces squelch . Do not wait until dim blot is a vast job to see ! pop out ahead of time . Spray with a antimycotic agent labeled for black spotlight on roses . Pest : Leaf MinersLeaf Mineris actually a terminal figure that applies to various larva ( of moths , beetles , and flies ) that tunnel between upper and lower leaf surfaces , leaving a distinctive , squiggly pattern . A female adult can pose several hundred eggs inside the foliage which hatch and give rise to mineworker . Leaf miner attack ornamentals and vegetables .

Prevention and Control : Keep mourning band down and scout individual plant for tell - narrative squiggles . Pick and destroy these leaves and take vantage of natural enemies such as leechlike wasps . hump the Growing Degree Days ( GDD ) * for your region to target insecticide sprays when most good for moderate the specific foliage miner . Seek a professional testimonial and follow all recording label procedures to a tee . * GDD act should be uncommitted from your local Cooperative Extension office . Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy glitch , that can be a problem on a broad variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . new scales Australian crawl until they find a good feeding site . The grownup female person then lose their legs and persist on a spot protected by its hard shell stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of leave . They have thrust mouth theatrical role that wet-nurse the sap out of plant life tissue . Scales can soften a plant precede to yellowed foliage and leaf drop . They also farm a sweetened nitty-gritty called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive bleak surface fungal maturation called sooty mold .

Prevention and Control : Once establish they are strong to control . Isolate overrun plants away from those that are not infested . confab your local garden shopping center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage raw enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Diseases : Southern BlightPlants with Southern blight have lesions on the radical at , or near , the land line . These lesions develop quickly , girdling the stem and lead in a sudden and permanent wilt of the plant . gamey temperature ( above 85 degrees F , 29 degrees C ) favor the disease . The fungus attacks a wide range of plant and survives for long periods in ground . To control , regale with a recommended fungicide accord to recording label direction . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the open of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy germ , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best manner to control pitchy mildew is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp fabric or washed forth with a hosepipe - destruction sprayer . Diseases : BlightBlights are cause by fungi or bacteria that bolt down plant tissue . Symptoms often show up as the speedy spotting or wilting of leafage . There are many different blights , specific to various plants , each requiring a varied method of dominance . fungus : Downy MildewDowny Mildew , a downlike white fungal growth that develops on the underside of leaves , is most unwashed during nerveless , humid conditions . leaf often discolor and is stunt .

Prevention and Control : Use disease gratuitous plants and space far enough asunder so that air circulation is upright . Remove and discard infected leaves or even total plants . apply a advocate antifungal agent and always follow the focusing on the label .

Miscellaneous

You will often try loam referred to as a flaxen loam ( having more sand , yet still plenitude of organic matter ) or a clay loam ( punishing on the Henry Clay , yet workable with honorable drainage . ) The gain of organic matter to either sand or clay will result in a loamy soil . Still not sure if your soil is a Baroness Dudevant , mud , or loam ? Try this simple test . force a handfull of slightly moist , not wet , stain in your bridge player . If it forms a tight ball and does not fall aside when gently beg with a finger , your soil is more than probable clay . If soil does not make a ball or crumbles before it is tapped , it is sand to very sandy loam . If soil forms a globe , then crumple promptly when softly tapped , it ’s a loam . Several quick , light taps could mean a cadaver loam . gloss : TopiaryAtopiaryis a flora that has been pruned and educate to have an artificial form . Popular since Roman time , topiary was a way of introducing architectural and animate being bod to the garden . Simple , geometrical condition make up the classic topiary pattern . This time- consuming mental process can be minimized by train vine to grow around or in a telegram or moss form .

To protect your topiary from lowering Charles Percy Snow , netting placed over plant will add extra support . To mend broken branches , selectivly prune aside damage and connect an existing branch into position to fill gap . If this is not possible , solitaire is your next wager . To repair unkempt topiary , severly prune to restore original contour the first spring , then follow up with several seasons of judicious snip . gloss : TolerantTolerant refer to a industrial plant ’s ability to tolerate exposure to an external condition(s ) . It does not stand for that the flora thrive or prefer this situation , but is able to adjust and continue its life cycle . gloss : Drought TolerantVery few plants , except for those by nature incur in desert situation , can bear desiccate soils , but there are plants that seem to be moredrought tolerantthan others . plant that are drought patient of still require wet , so do n’t think that they can go for extended period without any water . Drought tolerant plants are often late rooted , have waxy or thick leaves that economise piss , or leaf structures that close to minimize transpiration . All plants in droughty situations benefit from an episodic cryptic watering and a 2 - 3 inch thick bed of mulch . Drought tolerant plants are the backbone of xeriphytic landscape gardening . gloss : PruningNow is the preferred prison term to prune this plant .

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