Ilex integerrima Plant Care
Ilex integerrima Reissek
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ilex integerrima is a species of holly in the family Aquifoliaceae, native from Brazil and typically found in its Atlantic Forest vegetation. It is sometimes used as an adulterant for maté.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to part shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Ilex integerrima?
Plant Ilex integerrima in full sun to part shade (USDA zones 12a) 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 Ilex integerrima Native To?
What Is the Ilex integerrima?
Ilex integerrima (Ilex integerrima) belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family within the Ilex genus. Ilex integerrima is native to its Atlantic Forest vegetation.
Ilex integerrima displays an upright, dense shrub or small tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Ilex integerrima produces small white flowers in clusters, followed by red berries.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ilex integerrima?
Water a young or newly planted Ilex integerrima 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 Ilex integerrima Need?
Ilex integerrima thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ilex integerrima Prefer?
Ilex integerrima tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Ilex integerrima prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ilex integerrima?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Ilex integerrima to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ilex integerrima?
Feed Ilex integerrima 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 Ilex integerrima?
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.
Ilex integerrima is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
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 Ilex integerrima?
Ilex integerrima 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 Ilex integerrima?
Prune Ilex integerrima 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 Ilex integerrima in Winter?
Ilex integerrima is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Ilex integerrima?
Ilex integerrima 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 Ilex integerrima 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 Ilex integerrima?
Ilex integerrima 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 Ilex integerrima Need?
Ilex integerrima grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Ilex integerrima is native to its Atlantic Forest vegetation. In cooler regions, grow Ilex integerrima as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Ilex integerrima 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.
Ilex integerrima 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 integerrima Reissek, family Aquifoliaceae (first published in Fl. Bras. 11(1): 45 (1861)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Ilex integerrima 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
