Aquipern holly is an artificial hybrid of European I. aquifolium and Chinese I. pernyi. Aquipern holly is an evergreen shrub to small tree, densely narrow and pyramidal in form, and grows up to 20 feet tall. It is a member of the holly family (Aquifoliaceae). The hybrid epithet is a portmanteau of the two parents' names. In southern climates, the shrubs appreciate some afternoon shade though the best fruit production occurs in full sun. This holly is tolerant of most soils except poorly drained ones and can be grown in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant once established. Prune in the late winter to control its size if needed. It likes partial shade, especially in hot summers. It can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor or very acidic soils This plant has no serious pests. Hollies are dioecious plants, so both males and females are required to set fruit on female plants. Ilex × aquipernyi ' Aquipern' is the male clone of this plant, and Ilex × aquipernyi 'San Jose' is the female clone. Use this plant as a screen or hedge in a shrub border. Its tall, narrow form makes it a great choice for vertical spaces. The fruit and evergreen leaves make for winter interest in the landscape. The spiny leaves make this a good choice for a barrier or privacy screen or use as an impenetrable hedge. It can also be planted as a specimen, used in small groups, or planted along a foundation. Mature plants do not tolerate root disturbance, so it is best to site the plant in its permanent position. Diseases, Insect Pests and Other Plant Problems: No known diseases or pest issues, but it can be challenging to grow in the south because it dislikes hot summers and cold winters. The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and insect pests. More information on Ilex .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
6-feet-12 feet; 12-24 feet
Mature size
Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in. | Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
2 - Understory (15-40 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Columnar; Dense; Erect
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Oblong
Leaf margin
Undulate
Leaf feel
Glossy; Leathery; Prickly
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
1-3 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Leaves are alternate, simple, narrowly elliptic-oblong, slightly convex, and a little over an inch long. They have a prolonged apex with 5 to 9 evenly spaced, undulate terminal spines.
Flower color
White
Flower value
Fragrant
Flower form
Cyme; Insignificant
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Flowers are small and white.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Red/Burgundy
Fruit type
Berry; Drupe
Fruit value
Showy
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
This plant produces a red, globose berry, 1/4 inch diameter that ripen in fall, persist into winter and are attractive to birds.
Stem color
Brown/Copper; Green
Stem detail
Stems are greenish-brown in color.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Parent plants originated in Europe and western Asia
Distribution
Canada, Pacific Northwest.
Wildlife value
Fruits are attractive to birds. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi.
Attracts
Bees; Pollinators; Songbirds; Specialized Bees
Food & Medicine
Harvest time
Fall; Winter
Fruit type
Berry; Drupe
Edibility
Use caution. Human ingestion of berries can cause minor toxic reaction.
Uses (ethnobotany)
The wood is strong, hard and dense and polishes well, though it must be well dried and seasoned or else it warps badly. It is white, except at the center of very old trees, and is highly regarded by cabinet makers though it must be well seasoned.
Vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. Leaves and berries are low toxicity and it is only in very large doses that problems are likely to arise. Fruits particularly poisonous to children