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Yerba mate
Ilex paraguariensis · Aquifoliaceae
📷 cultivar413 from Fallbrook, California · CC BY 2.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around yerba mate and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Fall (October to November)
- Adult size
- Up to 6 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Origin
- South America (Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil)
- Family
- Aquifoliaceae
- Soil type
- Well-drained, slightly acidic
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Ilex paraguariensis needs consistent soil moisture and a mild climate. In areas reaching -5°C, protect the trunk during winter.
The common mistake
Planting it in cold/dry regions without protection: the roots gradually freeze in winter or the plant progressively declines.
The pro's trick
Harvest young leaves in spring and dry them in the shade for a gentle infusion.
Care
Watering
Ilex paraguariensis appreciates regularly moist soil, especially during growth and warm periods. Water generously but avoid letting water stagnate at the base. In winter, reduce watering based on climate conditions and soil drainage.
Light Exposure
Choose a spot in partial shade or indirect light. This plant also tolerates direct sun, particularly in regions with mild winters. Avoid overly shaded areas that would slow growth.
Soil and Potting Mix
Prefer rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. A mixture of quality potting soil with mature compost is ideal. Improve soil structure with organic mulch on the surface to maintain moisture.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring and summer, every two to three months. You can also use well-decomposed compost as a natural amendment. Reduce applications in fall and winter.
Pruning and Training
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a dense, compact shape. Remove dead, diseased, or misplaced branches. This species tolerates pruning well and can be shaped into a bushy form.
Diseases and Pests
Watch for scale insects and spider mites in dry conditions. Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Inspect foliage regularly and intervene quickly if you spot an infestation.
Did you know?
Ilex paraguariensis lies at the heart of a centuries-old tradition in South America: its fermented leaves produce maté, an ancestral beverage consumed ritually since the Guarani peoples. In Latin America, sharing maté in a communal gourd remains an act of conviviality and social bonding deeply rooted in culture.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- HollyIlex aquifolium
- Yaupon hollyIlex vomitoria
- Japanese hollyIlex crenata
- Highclere hollyIlex altaclerensis
- Ilex meserveaeIlex meserveae
- WinterberryIlex verticillata
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.