This shrub to small tree has a short trunk with grey bark and spreading branches that form a conical habit. It has leathery dull green oblong leaves and the tiny white cup-shaped fragrant flowers appear in late spring followed by red fruit.

Hardiness zones 8 to 10

Ilex fargesii is naturally found from Tibet to central China growing in woodlands in fertile moist well drained soils. It prefers an open sunny position but will tolerate some shade and is drought tender but frost tolerant.

This Holly is grown for its foliage and its colourful fruit. It is planted along borders for screening or grown as a specimen and tolerates pruning to form an informal hedge. It is also trained to form a small tree for domestic gardens and establishes in 3 to 4 years and is suitable for coastal and inland regions. ID 2759

Note:
This plant is not commonly cultivated outside its native environment and may be difficult to obtained, requiring a specialist nursery.

Ilex (EYE-lecks) fargesii (far-GES-ee-eye)

Aquifoliaceae(a-kwee-foh-lee-AY-see-ee)