Holly (Ilex 'Conaf' OAKLEAF)
Ilex 'Conaf' OAKLEAF Holly is an upright pyramidal broadleaf evergreen with attractive orange-red fruits, ideal for screens.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Ilex ‘Conaf’ OAKLEAF, commonly known as Holly, is a highly valued broadleaf evergreen for its strong, definitive structure and seasonal interest. This cultivar is part of the Red Holly Series, recognized particularly for its upright pyramidal form that provides excellent year-round screening. Gardeners appreciate the unique, oak-shaped leaves with distinct serrations that mature to rich emerald green.
This resilient Holly cultivar offers more than just attractive foliage; once pollinated, Ilex ‘Conaf’ OAKLEAF provides a profuse crop of bright orange-red berries in the fall and winter. It thrives across a broad range of conditions, demonstrating notable tolerance to heat and drought once established, making it a dependable choice for formal landscape applications.
Functionally, the Ilex ‘Conaf’ OAKLEAF fits perfectly into structured designs where height and consistent evergreen presence are necessary. Whether utilized as a primary screen or a formal border element, this Holly cultivar reliably delivers visual impact from spring blooms through winter berry display.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Aquifoliaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 15-20 ft
- Spread: 12-15 ft
- Bloom Time: March to May
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For optimal establishment, plant Ilex ‘Conaf’ OAKLEAF during fall or early spring when temperatures are mild. This Holly excels in organically rich, slightly acidic soils that offer excellent drainage. While it exhibits tolerance across various soil types, including sand to clay, preference should always lean toward organic loams with medium moisture retention. Site selections away from harsh, drying winter winds, which can cause leaf scorch.
Maintain medium water needs, especially during establishment and extended dry periods. While the mature plant is drought-tolerant, consistent moisture during the growing season supports dense foliage flush and fruit production. Fertilization should follow standard recommendations for Holly, usually applied in early spring to support new growth.
Pruning is generally light, focusing on maintaining the desired upright pyramidal shape or removing damaged wood. Because the Ilex ‘Conaf’ OAKLEAF is a female cultivar, flowering will only result in berries if a nearby male pollinator is present. Be proactive against potential leaf spot or minor pest issues by ensuring good air circulation around established plants.
Landscape Uses
Ilex ‘Conaf’ OAKLEAF is highly recommended for structural planting roles within the landscape design. Its tendency toward a dense, upright pyramidal form makes it an outstanding candidate for tall borders or robust privacy screens where year-round screening is non-negotiable. It performs exceptionally well when used formally as foundation plantings near structures.
When developing borders, pair the deep emerald foliage of the mature Ilex ‘Conaf’ OAKLEAF with plants that offer contrasting texture or seasonal color during the off-season. For instance, deciduous shrubs providing brilliant fall color or low-growing, fine-textured evergreens at the base will accentuate the Holly’s form. Ensure companions share similar sun and moisture preferences for unified care.
This resilient Holly is large enough to act as a specimen when space allows, but its primary strength lies in repetition along property lines or flanking architectural entrances, reinforcing structure throughout the year.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
The genus Ilex encompasses over 400 species worldwide, and this particular cultivar is noted for its evergreen attraction. ‘Conaf’, known commercially as OAK LEAF, is part of the Red Holly Series, deriving from Ilex ‘Mary Nell’. It matures to an upright pyramidal shape, reaching 15-20 feet tall, distinguished by its unique oak-shaped leaves showing prominent spines on their serrated margins. This female Holly produces small, slightly fragrant white flowers in spring, which develop into noticeable orange-red fruits by the fall.
Potential Problems
Potential insect problems commonly seen on this Holly include scale insects, whitefly, spider mites, and holly leaf miner. Fungal issues like tar spot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew can occur, especially in humid or poorly ventilated areas. Management involves monitoring for pests and ensuring proper air circulation to prevent disease. Plants may also exhibit chlorosis (yellowing) if planted in high pH soils, suggesting an acidic soil preparation is crucial for Ilex ‘Conaf’ OAKLEAF health.
Tolerances
- Tolerant of a wide variety of soils ranging from moist to dry and from sand to clay.
- Also tolerant of heat and drought.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Holly suitable for?
The Ilex ‘Conaf’ OAKLEAF Holly is hardy and thrives best within USDA Zones 6 through 9.
How large does Ilex ‘Conaf’ OAKLEAF grow?
This cultivar typically matures to a height between 15 and 20 feet, maintaining a substantial spread of 12 to 15 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Ilex ‘Conaf’ OAKLEAF need?
This broadleaf evergreen performs well across a range from full sun locations to areas receiving partial shade.
When does Holly bloom?
Flowering for the Ilex ‘Conaf’ OAKLEAF occurs relatively early, typically blooming between March and May, producing small white flowers.
Conclusion
The Ilex ‘Conaf’ OAKLEAF provides an unmatched combination of dense, year-round green foliage and vibrant winter berry color, making it an indispensable component for formal and structural plantings. As a reliable, medium-maintenance Holly, it adapts well to various soil conditions once established. Before planting, confirm your site falls within USDA Zones 6-9 and prepare your soil to be slightly acidic to ensure the best possible display from your new Ilex ‘Conaf’ OAKLEAF.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions for Ilex ‘Conaf’ OAKLEAF involves choosing plants that appreciate similar low-to-moderate soil acidity and consistent moisture levels, while benefiting from the Holly’s imposing vertical presence. Low-growing perennials that provide textural contrast, such as Hellebores (Helleborus spp.), are excellent beneath the canopy, offering bloom interest in late winter when the Holly berries are most prominent. Avoid aggressively spreading groundcovers that might compete heavily for nutrients in the root zone.
For larger context planting, consider broadleaf evergreens with different leaf habits, like Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba japonica), which tolerate similar shade conditions but offer bolder, often spotted, foliage. This juxtaposition creates visual depth against the fine-textured, spiky leaves typical of the OAK LEAF Holly.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the critical period for the Ilex ‘Conaf’ OAKLEAF, focusing on minor cleanup of winter debris and applying fertilizer just prior to the flush of new growth, which emerges with attractive bronze to burgundy coloration. Monitor closely for early signs of insect pests like scale during this active growth phase.
Summer maintenance centers on consistent watering; although drought-tolerant, maintaining medium moisture levels will ensure the integrity of the deep green foliage. Summer pruning should be minimal, reserved for shaping or removing errant branches, as heavy pruning is best saved for late winter.
In autumn, observe the maturation of the orange-red berries, signaling the plant is preparing for dormancy. Protect the evergreen structure from heavy icing, and ensure the plant is adequately watered before the ground freezes hard to mitigate winter desiccation and potential leaf scorch in exposed locations.
