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Ilex × koehneana ‘Chestnut Leaf’

Holly 'Chestnut Leaf'

RHS Award of Garden Merit Low Maintenance Hardiness H5

Long glossy leaves with regular spined margins resemble sweet chestnut foliage on Ilex × koehneana ‘Chestnut Leaf’. This distinctive evergreen holly forms a substantial upright shrub or small tree, providing dense screening and architectural foliage for larger gardens and boundaries.

SKU: ILEX-176-Y

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Plant Details

Flowering Months

January, not a flowering month
February, not a flowering month
March, not a flowering month
April, not a flowering month
May, flowering month
June, flowering month
July, not a flowering month
August, not a flowering month
September, not a flowering month
October, not a flowering month
November, not a flowering month
December, not a flowering month

Size

Max Height
4.0 m — 8.0 m
Max Spread
2.5 m — 4.0 m
Growth Habit
Densely branched plant with compact, leafy, rounded overall shape.

Planting Position

Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
Full Sun
Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
South East West
Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
Exposed / Sheltered
Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
Hardiness H5 (−15 to −10 °C) Cold-hardy

Ideal Soil Conditions

Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
Moist but permeable / Free draining
Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Acid Alkaline Neutral

Plant Uses & Merits

Uses
  • Architectural
  • Hedging / Screening
Merits
  • Low Maintenance
  • RHS | Award Of Garden Merit

Ilex × koehneana ‘Chestnut Leaf’ Description

Ilex × koehneana ‘Chestnut Leaf’ is an evergreen hybrid holly distinguished by its unusually long, narrow glossy leaves with evenly spaced spines along the margins. The foliage gives a more elongated, chestnut-like texture than traditional common holly. Plants develop into sizeable upright shrubs or small trees and can eventually reach several metres in height, so allow generous space. Grow in full sun or partial shade in fertile, humus-rich soil that remains moisture-retentive but drains freely. It is useful as a specimen, dense screen or informal evergreen boundary plant. Hollies tolerate regular pruning, although the natural habit is attractive when allowed room to develop. Where berries are produced, a compatible pollinating holly nearby may improve fruit set. Wear gloves when handling the spiny foliage.