Quercus ilex PLEACHED

Description: This is a relatively slow growing, evergreen tree in a pleached form that creates a dense panel of rounded dark green leaves that are grey beneath and silvery when young. It has black, finely cracked bark and inconspicuous yellow-green catkins in spring followed by characteristic acorns.

Uses: As a decorative line or framing either side of a path which allows light in and gives a privacy without blocking the view. Pleached trees can be used as hedging in a fence line or used to create an enclosure, walkway or garden room where you do not necessarily need a solid barrier. Will tolerate a coastal environment.

Climate/Position: Full sun to partial shade.

Height/Spread: Dependant on stem and frame height.

Soil Requirements: Moist but well-drained, well-drained. Drought resistant.

Pruning: Relatively low-maintenance. Prune as and when required.

Special Requirements: 

Additional Interest: In ancient Greece the leaves of the holm oak were used to tell the future and they were also used to make crowns to honour people. The acorn was seen as a sign of fertility and wearing acorn jewellery was believed to increase fertility. In Greek lore, the primitive tribes of Arkadia were said to have lived on a stable diet of acorns.