Perny's holly (Ilex pernyi)

Perny's holly

Perny's holly is a popular architectural plant frequently used in cottage and coastal gardens due to its interesting diamond-shaped leaves and attractive red berries. It also makes an ideal natural screen and is well-suited to city gardens due to its resistance to pollution. This plant's seeds are poisonous.

Scientific classification

Species

Perny's holly (Ilex pernyi)

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1.2 m to 1.8 m

Spread

Green, Blue

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Red, Burgundy

Fruit Color

Yellow, Green, Gold

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Perny's holly

Distribution of Perny's holly

Distribution Map

Perny's holly is native to woodlands in Eastern Asia. Its range naturally extends across subtropical and temperate zones within this region. Beyond its natural habitat, perny's holly has been introduced to various other locations for cultivation, owing to its adaptability to diverse climates. It thrives when translocated to environments that approximate its native woodland conditions, occurring in both private and botanical collections.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Quickly Identify Perny's holly

Shiny dark green leaves with spiny margins and glossy surface, 1/2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) long.

Bright red berries, 1/4 inch (6 mm) in diameter, tightly clustering, visually striking against foliage.

Dioecious nature requiring both male and female plants for berry production, small yellow flowers.

Slender green stems transitioning to reddish-green in winter, dense branchlets, smooth texture, 0.2-0.3 inches (5-7 mm) thick.

Trunk starts smooth and silver-gray, ages into intricately patterned bark with exfoliating, flakey patches.

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Care Guide for Perny's holly

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from areas with varying moisture, perny's holly shows moderate drought tolerance and thrives when soil dries slightly between watering every 2-3 weeks. As an evergreen, it maintains foliage year-round and requires consistent soil moisture to support growth and avoid desiccation.

Fertilize: Perny's holly thrives with biannual balanced nutrition fertilizers in spring and late summer, complemented by high nitrogen in early spring. Proper application and quantity tailored to perny's holly's size enhance growth and flowering. Avoid overfertilization, reassess needs seasonally, and follow manufacturer guidelines for best results.

Pruning: Perny's holly features dense, spiny foliage and small red berries. Prune in early to late winter for shaping and improved airflow. Thinning interior branches promotes light penetration and fuller appearance. Proper pruning enhances aesthetic appeal, plant health, and berry production. Moderate, consistent pruning is key.

Propagation: Perny's holly is best propagated by taking semi-hardwood cuttings from mature shrubs, treated with rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. Maintain consistent moisture and humidity, using a plastic bag for a greenhouse effect. Transplant to individual pots for growth before garden placement.

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