Ilex x koehneana ‘Chestnut Leaf’ – Standards

A really lovely, hardy form of holly with long serrated leaves that truly resemble in both shape and size, the leaf of a sweet chestnut.

It is a hybrid, i.e. the result of a cross between two separate species of holly, in this case between Ilex latifolia and Ilex aquifolium. Hybridisation can occur naturally if a male and a female tree of different species are planted in close proximity, but in this case it was through the work of a gardener, physically dusting the male pollen onto the female stigma. This garden hybrid has been around for about a century since it was bred in France in the 1920s, though it was named after Herr Koehne, a German botanist of the 19th century. It is a female plant, now propagated by cuttings.

The length and shape of the leaves are characteristic of Ilex latifolia, a lovely plant of Japanese and Chinese origin, while the spiky edges come from our well-known and beloved native holly, Ilex aquifolium. These glossy green chestnut-like leaves are carried on downward sweeping branches. The abundant white flowers are small, and since this is a female plant, the flowers are followed by masses of red berries in late autumn, provided there is a male holly somewhere in the vicinity.

Ilex x koehneana ‘Chestnut Leaf’ is fast growing, quickly developing into a striking, medium size to large tree with a softly pyramidal habit, growing to 7 or 8m in height. It is hardy to about –15 degrees and grows best in full sun or very light shade, preferring a humid, moist but well-drained soil that can be either acidic or calcareous. Once established it can tolerate hot, dry conditions. It can be clipped to shape and size if need be.