
Photo: Cheng-Te HsuCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Bioritsensis Holly Plant Care
Ilex bioritsensis Hayata
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognized by its glossy, dark green leaves and bright red berries. Originating from the forests of Biarritz, France, this unique plant is highly sought after by collectors due to its striking foliage and vibrant berries that add a pop of color to any garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to part shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Bioritsensis Holly?
Plant Bioritsensis Holly in full sun to part shade (USDA zones 7b–9b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Bioritsensis Holly Native To?
What Is the Bioritsensis Holly?
Bioritsensis Holly (Ilex bioritsensis) belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family within the Ilex genus. Bioritsensis Holly is native to warmer parts of China. Bioritsensis Holly is also known as Holly.
Bioritsensis Holly displays an upright, dense shrub or small tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Bioritsensis Holly produces small white flowers in clusters, followed by red berries.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bioritsensis Holly?
Water a young or newly planted Bioritsensis Holly every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Bioritsensis Holly Need?
Bioritsensis Holly thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bioritsensis Holly Prefer?
Ilex bioritsensis tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Bioritsensis Holly prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bioritsensis Holly?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Bioritsensis Holly to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bioritsensis Holly?
Feed Bioritsensis Holly every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Bioritsensis Holly?
Choose a spot with full sun to part shade and moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Bioritsensis Holly is suited to USDA Zone 7b – 9b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Bioritsensis Holly?
Bioritsensis Holly can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Bioritsensis Holly?
Prune Bioritsensis Holly while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Bioritsensis Holly in Winter?
Bioritsensis Holly is hardy down to USDA zone 7b, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.
Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.
How Do You Propagate a Bioritsensis Holly?
Bioritsensis Holly can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to christmas holly plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Bioritsensis Holly Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Bioritsensis Holly?
Bioritsensis Holly is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, leaf miners. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bioritsensis Holly Need?
Bioritsensis Holly grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7b – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7b. Bioritsensis Holly is native to warmer parts of China.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7b – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Bioritsensis Holly is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Ilex genus — compare its care with other Ilex species on PlantoScan.
Ilex is part of the Aquifoliaceae plant family — browse all Aquifoliaceae genera and species.
Bioritsensis Holly thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ilex Species
Other Ilex species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ilex bioritsensis Hayata, family Aquifoliaceae (first published in J. Coll. Sci. Imp. Univ. Tokyo 30(1): 53 (1911)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Bioritsensis Holly is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Cheng-Te Hsu, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7b – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
