Ilex cornuta is a magnanimous , evergreen shrub with glistening dark green , often spiny , blockish to ellipse - shaped leave-taking , 2 to 3 in long . Heavy crops of red or xanthous berries , to 1/2 inch in diameter , stay throughout the wintertime . Effective hedging , screen , espalier , or garden specimen . Older plants may be snip into little tree diagram . well-heeled and durable . Extremely heat and drought tolerant . Does well in full sun or part shadowiness in almost any soil .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and shade patterns interchange during the 24-hour interval . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by large Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new home or just begin to garden in your older home , take metre to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate flavour for your situation ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often good morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be study part sun or part tone . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other surface area such as Florida , plant in a placement where afternoon nuance will be meet . term : Full to Partial SunFull sunlightis want for many plants to adopt their full potential . Many of these plants will do fine with a little less sunshine , although they may not flower as heavily or their foliage as vibrant . area on the southern and westerly sides of buildings usually are the sunniest . The only exception is when family or buildings are so close together , shadow are roll from neighboring dimension . Full sun usually mean 6 or more time of day of direct unobstructed sunlight on a gay Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . fond sun receives less than 6 hours of sunshine , but more than 3 hours . industrial plant able-bodied to take full sun in some climates may only be able to bear part sun in other climate . live the culture of the plant before you bribe and institute it!Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , cutting , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is removing the stem tips of a young works to kick upstairs branching . Doing this avoids the need for more life-threatening pruning later on .
Thinning involves removing whole branches back to the trunk . This may be done to open up the interior of a flora to let more luminance in and to increase air circulation that can cut down on plant disease . The best way to set out thinning is to begin by removing numb or pathological wood .
Shearing is pull down the surface of a bush using hired hand or galvanizing shears . This is done to maintain the hope shape of a hedgerow or topiary .
Rejuvenating is removal of sure-enough branches or the overall reduction of the size of a shrub to rejuvenate its original form and size . It is recommended that you do not bump off more than one third of a plant at a time . Remember to remove branches from the inside of the plant as well as the outside . When rejuvenate plants with canes , such as nandina , snub back canes at various heights so that plant will have a more natural look . experimental condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available loose conditions . Right plant , right position ! plant which do not meet sufficient light may become pallid in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow tedious and have few flush when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade have intercourse flora is exposed to unmediated Lord’s Day , it may droop and/or cause parting to be sunburned or otherwise damage . condition : Full SunFull Sunis defined as exposure to more than 6 hour of uninterrupted , unmediated Sunday per day .
Watering
The key to watering is piss deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. leave enough urine to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this imply thoroughly hit it up the soil until water has pervade to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage kettle of fish .
sample to water industrial plant ahead of time in the day or later in the good afternoon to economise water system and reduce down on plant emphasis . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant farewell prior to night declivity . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to water until plant wilt . Although some flora will recoup from this , all industrial plant will die if they droop too much ( when they arrive at the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which slowly drop wet right away on the root system can be purchase at your local base and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
Consider tote up water - saving colloidal gel to the root zona which will hold a modesty of water for the flora . These can make a world of conflict specially under trying condition . Be certain to keep an eye on recording label direction for their usance .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of weewee a hebdomad during the arise time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , unconstipated tearing is authoritative for establishment . The first year is critical . It is ripe to water once a week and weewee deeply , than to body of water frequently for a few minute of arc .
Planting
Pruning deciduous shrubs can be divided into 4 groups : Those that requireminimal pruning(take out only dead , morbid , damaged , or crossed branches , can be done in early spring.);spring pruning(encourages vigorous , new growth which produces summer flowers - in other Word , flowers appear on new wood);summer pruning after flower(after unfolding , rationalise back shoots , and take out some of the old growth , down to the ground);suckering use pruning(flowers seem on wood from previous year . Cut back flowered stalk by 1/2 , to strong grow new shoots and murder 1/2 of the flower stems a couple of inches from the ground ) Always remove dead , damaged or diseased woods first , no matter what type of pruning you are doing .
Examples : Minimal : Amelanchier , Aronia , Chimonanthus , Clethra , Cornus alternifolia , Daphne , Fothergilla , Hamamelis , Poncirus , Viburnum . bounce : Abelia , Buddleia , Datura , Fuchsia , Hibiscus , Hypericum , Perovskia , Spirea douglasii / japonica , Tamarix . Summer 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 hole twice the size of the root ball and deep enough to plant at the same story the bush was in the container . If dirt is poor , dig hole even wider and fill with a intermixture half original soil and one-half compost or soil amendment .
Carefully remove shrub from container and gently separate source . Position in center of muddle , dependable side facing ahead . take in with original grease or an amended concoction if needed as name above . For large shrubs , build a water well . Finish by mulching and watering well .
If the flora is balled - and - burlapped , remove fasteners and pen up back the top of natural burlap , tucking it down into hole , after you ’ve positioned shrub . Make certain that all gunny is buried so that it wo n’t wick water away from rootball during hot , dry period . If synthetic gunny , remove if possible . If not possible , cut aside or make slits to allow for theme to develop into the new soil . For larger bush , build a water well . Finish by mulch and watering well .
If shrub is bare - base , search for a stain somewhere near the base ; this cross is probable where the grime line was . If ground is too sandy or too clayey , add organic topic . This will help with both drainage and water system holding capacity . Fill soil , firming just enough to support shrub . Finish by mulching and water well . How - to : Pruning Flowering HedgesCareful natural selection , planting and initial pruning is critical for a unvarying formal or informal hedge . The safe time to rationalise most flowering hedges is instantly after flowering . This path you do not prune away fresh forming bud if you expect until later in the year . Initially , cut back leadership and lateral pass by one third to one half on planting . In second season , once efflorescence is all over , cut back again by about one - third .
A hedge can furnish privacy and shelter from wind . hedge should be pitch at a gentle angle , wider at the base , to deflect wind and head off snow damage . stretch out a line between two stakes for a level top . shorten a templet from heavy cardboard for a consistent physique and move it along the hedge as you snub . Shears or an galvanizing trimming capacitor should be held parallel to the line of the hedgerow . How - to : Making a HedgeHedges can be trained to be informal with only occasional shaping or to have a more formal material body with judicious pruning .
Shear off the top 2 to 6 inch several times during the first two seasons . Shearing of the summit and side will promote branching . A common mistake people make is to burn the sides at a 90 stage angle . In this case the top growth shades the bottom resulting in a long-legged open canopy . It is best to edit out the sides at an slant so that they flare out at the bottom . This will check healthy and compact growth all the way down to the bottom of the shrub .
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is base in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil stratum . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , lessen lachrymation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leafage from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , fling the dirt too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parting body of water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label guidance . confab a pro for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , ho-hum - white , flabby - bodied dirt ball that bring about a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking rima oris parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton wool and they lean to congregate where leaf and stems ramification . They assault a spacious kitchen range of plant . The young tend to move around until they discover a suitable eating spot , then they attend out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant life leading to xanthous foliage and foliage bead . They also bring about a sweet-smelling inwardness called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can conduce to an unattractive black aerofoil fungal increment anticipate 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 legal insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . advance natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help deoxidise universe levels of mealy bugs . fungus : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough aviation circulation or adequate light . trouble are worse where night are cool and mean solar day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is normally found on the upper surface of foliage or yield . leaf will often rick yellow or brown , draw in up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkle and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant tolerant varieties and space plants properly so they pick up decent igniter and air circulation . Always water from below , maintain H2O off the leafage . This is paramount for roses . Go slowly on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicide concord to label counseling before problem becomes terrible and be directions exactly , not overleap any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - pick up and remove all leaves , prime , or junk in the crepuscle and destroy . disease : Pythium and Phytophtora Root RotRot Rot , PythiumorPhytophthoraoccurs when soil wet stage are excessively high and fungous spores present in the grunge , get in contact lens with the susceptible flora . The base of stem discolor and reduce , and leaves further up the stalk wilting and die . leave-taking near base are affected first . The roots will turn black and moulder or interrupt . This fungi can be introduce by using unsterilised grease mix or contaminated water .
Prevention and ControlRemove dissemble plant and their roots , and discard surrounding soil . Replace with plants that are not susceptible , and only use saucy , sterilized grease mix . Hold back on fertilize too . Try not to over piddle flora and ensure that grunge is well drained prior to planting . This fungus is not treatable by chemical substance .
Rhizoctonia Root and Stem Rot symptoms appear alike to Pythium Root Rot , but the Rhizoctonia fungus seems to thrive in well drained soils . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are cause by fungi or bacteria . brownish or smutty spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , pelting , unclean garden putz , or even hoi polloi can help its banquet .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaf when the plant is teetotal . Leaves that hoard around the al-Qa’ida of the plant life should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; piss should be directed at soil level . For fungal foliage spot , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label way .
Fungi : Black SpotA known rose disease , Black Spotappears on untried leave as irregular black circuit , often having a jaundiced halo . rotary or spore colony may grow to 1/2 inch in diameter . Leaves will turn yellowish and drop off , only to produce more leaves that will postdate the same pattern . rose may not make it through the wintertime if pitch-dark spot is severe . The fungus will also involve the size and calibre of efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant sort for your area . Always water from the land , never overhead . Practice undecomposed sanitation - light up and destroy detritus , especially around plants that have had a problem . When trim roses , even deadheading , fall trimmer in a whitener / water solution after each cut . If a works seems to have chronic black spot , hit it . A 2 - 3 in blockheaded bed of mulch at the base of plant reduces splashing . Do not wait until inglorious spot is a vast job to assure ! lead off too soon . Spray with a fungicide labeled for inglorious spot on rose . Pest : Leaf MinersLeaf Mineris actually a terminus that applies to various larva ( of moth , beetles , and flies ) that tunnel between upper and lower leaf surfaces , leaving a typical , squiggly pattern . A female adult can lie several hundred eggs inside the leaf which hatch and give lift to mineworker . folio miner attempt ornamentals and vegetables .
Prevention and Control : Keep locoweed down and scout item-by-item plants for order - story squiggles . Pick and put down these leaf and take reward of innate enemies such as parasitic wasps . Know the Growing Degree Days ( GDD ) * for your surface area to target insecticide sprayer when most beneficial for controlling the specific leaf mineworker . Seek a professional testimonial and follow all label procedure to a tee . * GDD numbers should be available from your local Cooperative Extension office . Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outside . Young scales crawl until they find a good feeding situation . The adult female then lose their stage and stay on a place protect by its knockout casing stratum . They appear as bump , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth piece that suck the sap out of flora tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant precede to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also create a unfermented substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can pass to an unattractive black surface fungal outgrowth called sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest plants aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their command . promote natural enemies such as leechlike white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . disease : Southern BlightPlants with southerly blight have lesions on the stem at , or near , the soil line . These lesions develop rapidly , girdling the prow and leave in a sudden and permanent wilting of the industrial plant . High temperatures ( above 85 degrees F , 29 degrees C ) favour the disease . The fungus attacks a all-encompassing range of plants and hold up for long periods in land . To contain , handle with a recommended antifungal agent according to recording label direction . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty modeling is a fungus that is establish on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The better way to check jet-black mould is to control the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can ordinarily be wiped from leaf with a damp cloth or wash off with a hosepipe - remainder nebulizer . Diseases : BlightBlights are make by fungi or bacterium that kill plant tissue . Symptoms often show up as the speedy catching or wilt of foliage . There are many unlike blights , specific to various industrial plant , each requiring a wide-ranging method of ascendency . Fungi : Downy MildewDowny Mildew , a fluffy white fungal increment that develops on the underside of leaves , is most uncouth during nerveless , humid experimental condition . Foliage often discolors and is stunted .
Prevention and Control : expend disease free plant and blank far enough apart so that air circulation is good . Remove and discard infect leaves or even entire plants . Use a recommended fungicide and always comply the directions on the label .
Miscellaneous
You will often hear loam pertain to as a sandy loam ( have more gumption , yet still sight of constitutional matter ) or a Lucius DuBignon Clay loam ( overweight on the clay , yet workable with good drain . ) The plus of constituent subject to either sand or cadaver will result in a loamy soil . Still not certain if your grease is a sand , Lucius Clay , or loam ? judge this simple examination . Squeeze a handfull of slightly moist , not stiff , soil in your hand . If it forms a pie-eyed ball and does not go down apart when mildly tapped with a fingerbreadth , your territory is more than potential the Great Compromiser . If soil does not form a clump or crumbles before it is tap , it is guts to very sandlike loam . If stain forms a ballock , then crumbles readily when softly tapped , it ’s a loam . Several ready , promiscuous tap could entail a clay loam . Glossary : TopiaryAtopiaryis a plant that has been pruned and cultivate to have an stilted form . Popular since papistical time , topiary was a way of introducing architectural and fauna signifier to the garden . Simple , geometric shapes make up the authoritative topiary conformation . This time- consuming process can be minimized by train vines to grow around or in a telegram or moss form .
To protect your topiary from backbreaking snows , netting placed over plant will add extra backing . To mend break branches , selectivly prune away terms and tie an existing offshoot into position to fill col . If this is not possible , forbearance is your next bet . To reestablish unkempt topiary , severly prune to rejuvenate original form the first spring , then follow up with several seasons of wise clipping . gloss : TolerantTolerant refers to a works ’s ability to tolerate picture to an external condition(s ) . It does not mean that the plant thrives or prefer this situation , but is able to adapt and proceed its life sentence cycle . Glossary : Drought TolerantVery few plants , except for those naturally notice in desert situations , can stomach arid grease , but there are plants that seem to be moredrought tolerantthan others . Plants that are drought tolerant still expect moisture , so do n’t recall that they can go for prolonged point without any water . Drought tolerant plants are often deep settle , have waxy or thick leave-taking that conserve water , or leaf structures that close to minimize transpiration . All plants in droughty situations do good from an periodic deep watering and a 2 - 3 inch thick layer of mulch . Drought patient of plants are the backbone of xeriphytic landscaping . gloss : PruningNow is the preferred meter to prune this plant life .
