August 1996
Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf
Height: 3 to 9 feet
Spread: 3 to 5 feet
Shape: Bushy
Large, leathery, evergreen leaves are blue-green with spines. Fragrant flowers are yellow. The blue fruit matures in summer.
Zone: 6 to 8
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Moist
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.5 to 7.0
Suggested uses for this plant include border, massing, and specimen plant.
Plant in moist, well-drained soil.
Select a location that is protected from winter
winds and hot, dry soil in summer.
A site with northern or eastern exposure will
reduce leaf scorch.
Easy to maintain.
No serious pests.
Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.
Related species:
AQUIFOLIUM (Oregon Grapeholly) has bright
yellow flowers and blue-black fruit. Its leaves
turn bronze-purple in winter. Requires
protection from winter wind and sun.
The leaves are held stiffly horizontal on
the
shrub, making it an interesting specimen.
When grown in the shade, the leaves do not
change color in the fall.
The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered
through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications are
available through your local Extension office or
directly from:
Virginia Tech
Extension Distribution Center
112 Landsdowne St.
Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-607 "Selecting Landscape Plants -
Broad-leaved Evergreens"
This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the
Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg
Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content
Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.