...Ilex Shillings that is!
This plant is very similar to Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria 'Nana) and often confused with it. I saw a DYH bonsai, by Rob Kempinski, at our state's recent bonsai convention and thought it was a Shillings. They are often overlooked in the landscapes of USDA Zones 7 - 10. As large hedges and borders in the garden they are usually bland and only provide visual interest when pruned into geometric shapes.
BUT, as bonsai their best features can be focused on and really enjoyed by enthusiasts of all different levels of experience. They have smooth grey bark that contrasts nicely with the naturally tiny (and perfect to scale) deep green leaves that begin their growth a bright fire red. Another feature that is often overlooked when these plants are used as hedges are the tiny white flowers that come in late spring. But, of course in bonsai this can be accentuated and enjoyed.
This tree deserves a better place in the hierarchy of species used in bonsai. I personally have one myself but it has only recently begun its training. I know there must be some out there on Bnut with some Ilex Shillings bonsai....if you got'em let's see'em!
This plant is very similar to Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria 'Nana) and often confused with it. I saw a DYH bonsai, by Rob Kempinski, at our state's recent bonsai convention and thought it was a Shillings. They are often overlooked in the landscapes of USDA Zones 7 - 10. As large hedges and borders in the garden they are usually bland and only provide visual interest when pruned into geometric shapes.
BUT, as bonsai their best features can be focused on and really enjoyed by enthusiasts of all different levels of experience. They have smooth grey bark that contrasts nicely with the naturally tiny (and perfect to scale) deep green leaves that begin their growth a bright fire red. Another feature that is often overlooked when these plants are used as hedges are the tiny white flowers that come in late spring. But, of course in bonsai this can be accentuated and enjoyed.
This tree deserves a better place in the hierarchy of species used in bonsai. I personally have one myself but it has only recently begun its training. I know there must be some out there on Bnut with some Ilex Shillings bonsai....if you got'em let's see'em!