Luquillo Mountain Holly

Ilex hypaneura

Native to:
Cuba, Puerto Rico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Aquifoliaceae
Genus:
Ilex
Species:
Ilex hypaneura
USDA Symbol:
ILHY

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
300 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
white
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers forested, shaded environments

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 60–120 days
Germination Time:
30–180 days
Notes:
Ilex seeds often exhibit double dormancy requiring warm then cold stratification. Germination can be erratic over one to two years.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Expose to fluctuating outdoor winter temps incl. freezing for 3 months. Increase light/temp in spring.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society