Variegated Holly Trees
The genus Ilex contains hundreds of evergreen holly species, hybrids and varieties, some of these have variegated leaves. Variegated leaves are mostly green with white or silver margins. Does this Spark an idea?
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English Holly
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English holly (Ilex aquifolium) has spiny, glossy leaves and bright red berries. Sellers often simply call variegated varieties Ilex aquifolium Variegata. These include the Ivory and the Crinkle Variegated English holly.
American Holly
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American holly (Ilex opaca) produces red berries and small, white flowers that release a sweet fragrance. A hardy cultivar with variegated leaves is Steward's Silver Crown, which has a cream margin around its leaves. People often harvest its branches for holiday decorations because of its attractive appearance.
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Chinese Holly
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A cultivar of Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), known as the Variegated Needlepoint Holly, has variegated leaves. They have a soft spine on the tip and a cream margin.
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References
- Oregon State University: Holly
- Temple University Ambler Landscape Arboretum: Evergreen Hollies for Winter Interest
- North Carolina State University Extension: Partial List of Trees with Variegated Summer Foliage
- University of Connecticut Plant Database: American Holly
- Wildflowers of the Escambia: American Holly
