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Ilex aquifolium 'Alaska'

The Ilex aquifolium 'Alaska', an esteemed cultivar of the holly family, is a plant of classic beauty and resilience. Esteemed for its glossy, dark green leaves and the characteristic spines that holly is known for, 'Alaska' exudes a timeless elegance. In the spring, this hardy evergreen is adorned with delicate white flowers, which later give way to vibrant red berries that are synonymous with the festive winter season. Perfect for creating a structured and striking hedge, or as a standalone specimen, Ilex aquifolium 'Alaska' is a distinguished choice for any garden seeking a touch of refined natural beauty.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Once a year

Growth rate
20-30cm a year

Visual barrier
Quickly obscuring

Position
Shade, partial shade, sun

Maintenance
Low maintenance

2+ £27.35

25+ £26.00

50+ £25.30

100+ £24.65

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
60-80

Planting distance per meter
3

24.65

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £29.15

25+ £27.70

50+ £26.95

100+ £26.25

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
80-100

Planting distance per meter
3

26.25

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £39.10

25+ £37.15

50+ £36.15

100+ £35.20

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
100-125

Planting distance per meter
2,5

35.20

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £52.65

25+ £50.00

50+ £48.70

100+ £47.35

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
125-150

Planting distance per meter
2,5

47.35

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £83.25

15+ £79.05

25+ £77.00

50+ £74.90

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
150-175

Planting distance per meter
2

74.90

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £120.25

15+ £114.25

25+ £111.20

50+ £108.20

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
175-200

Planting distance per meter
2

108.20

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

Ilex aquifolium 'Alaska'

The Ilex aquifolium 'Alaska', commonly known as holly, is a classic plant that brings year-round interest and structure to gardens with its glossy, evergreen foliage and vibrant red berries. This hardy variety makes an excellent choice for creating a dense, ornamental hedge or standing as an elegant solitary specimen.

With its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, including shaded areas, the Alaska holly is a versatile addition to any landscape, offering both beauty and functionality.

Key Features

The Ilex aquifolium 'Alaska' boasts several desirable features that make it an asset to any garden:

This variety of holly has a moderate growth rate of 20-30 cm per year, forming a visually dense barrier that provides privacy and reduces noise pollution.
It exhibits a robust winter hardiness, tolerating temperatures as low as -17.8°C to -20.5°C, corresponding to USDA zone 6b.
In spring and summer, the Alaska holly blooms with delicate white flowers, adding a touch of elegance to the lush green backdrop.
Come autumn and winter, the plant is adorned with its signature red berries, creating a striking contrast against the green leaves and bringing a festive touch to the colder months.
Ilex aquifolium 'Alaska' requires minimal pruning, usually only once a year, which makes it an easy-care option for both novice and experienced gardeners.
This species is evergreen, ensuring that your garden remains vibrant and full of life throughout the year.

Tips

When planting Ilex aquifolium 'Alaska', make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues.
Although the plant doesn't require much pruning, an annual trim will help maintain its shape and promote the growth of those iconic holly berries.
To propagate the Alaska holly, use semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings, depending on the season, and ensure they are placed in well-fertilized soil for optimal root development.
Keep in mind that while Ilex aquifolium 'Alaska' is tolerant of shade, it will produce the most berries when planted in a location with full sun to partial shade.

Ideal placement of a Ilex aquifolium ‘Alaska’

The holly 'Alaska' thrives in a variety of lighting conditions, from full sun to shade. Its adaptability makes it an excellent choice for many garden situations. For optimal growth, well-drained soil is recommended, though this cultivar can tolerate a range of soil types. When considering the location, gardeners should take into account the plant's preference for some protection from harsh, drying winds, particularly in colder climates within USDA zone 6b to ensure its evergreen foliage remains vibrant throughout the seasons.

Planting a Ilex aquifolium ‘Alaska’

To plant Ilex aquifolium 'Alaska', begin by selecting a suitable location that can range from full sun to shade. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for many garden settings. Preferably, the soil should be well-drained to accommodate this hedge plant. With its root ball, ensure the planting hole is spacious enough for the roots to spread comfortably. Planting should be at the same depth as the root ball's top. Once in the ground, water the plant deeply to settle the soil around the roots and encourage establishment. Given its robust winter hardiness, it can withstand temperatures as low as -17.8°C, suitable for USDA zone 6b gardens.

Pruning a Ilex aquifolium ‘Alaska’

Pruning Ilex aquifolium 'Alaska' is generally straightforward, as this evergreen maintains its shape with minimal intervention. To encourage a denser growth, prune once a year, ideally in late winter before the onset of new growth in spring. This timing allows the plant to heal without the stress of extreme cold, aligning with its winter hardiness of USDA zone 6b. Lightly trim to shape as desired, but avoid heavy cutting back, as this species does not require significant pruning to thrive.

Watering a Ilex aquifolium ‘Alaska’

Ilex aquifolium 'Alaska' thrives with consistent moisture, particularly when establishing its root system. It is crucial to ensure the soil around the root ball is well-hydrated but not waterlogged. During the first growing season, regular watering will help the plant develop its roots. Once established, it has a moderate tolerance for brief dry spells but should not be subjected to prolonged drought conditions. Supplemental watering during extended dry periods will maintain its health and vigor. Mulching can assist in retaining soil moisture and providing a stable root environment.

Fertilising a Ilex aquifolium ‘Alaska’

To maintain the robust health and vibrant green foliage of Ilex 'Alaska', fertilization is recommended in the early spring. Utilize a balanced, slow-release fertilizer tailored for evergreens to enrich the soil. Ideally, the nutrients should be distributed evenly at the base of the plant, extending to the drip line to ensure that the root system fully absorbs the essential elements.

While this species is relatively low-maintenance, providing it with the appropriate nourishment will support its growth and the development of bright red berries that adorn its branches in the autumn and winter. Adhering to the correct fertilization regimen will contribute to a luscious, dense hedge that offers year-round visual appeal and privacy.

The characteristics of a Ilex aquifolium ‘Alaska’

The Ilex aquifolium 'Alaska' is a robust selection, notable for its prolific berry production even without a pollinator nearby. This variety's dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for privacy hedges or ornamental screens. It thrives in a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. Moreover, the root ball establishment allows for a relatively easy transition when planting this species in your garden, ensuring that it becomes a steadfast, evergreen presence throughout the year.

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