Preserved Ilex

Preserved Ilex

Known for its dense foliage and glossy leaves, Ilex offers an elegant and neat appearance. Ideal for use in floral arrangements or interior decoration, its deep green colour and attractive texture add a touch of sophistication.

Our Preserved Products

• Always competitive prices
• Exceptional quality
• Regular availability all year round

What is Ilex?

An evergreen shrub native to Western Asia and Western Europe, known for its deep green foliage and bright red fruits that adorn the plant in winter. Its leaves have a soft, leathery texture to the touch, while its scent is reminiscent of damp wood, adding a natural touch to any room.

Preserved Ilex retains all the beauty and elegance of the original, but with added benefits that make it ideal for long-lasting decoration. Thanks to a special preservation process, the leaves and berries retain their smooth texture and vibrant colour without the need for maintenance. Although the fresh fragrance of the preserved version is gone, the appearance remains stunningly realistic, making it the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the Ilex without worrying about its care.

Durability of Ilex

Fresh Ilex leaves may begin to deteriorate over time, especially indoors. At best, a fresh Ilex stem will last 2-3 weeks, depending on environmental conditions and care, while the preserved version can last for months or even years.

Therefore, when you need more durability or when it is not logical to use a plant that needs care, but you want to give it a natural and elegant look, preserved Ilex is the ideal solution.

How to keep preserved Ilex in good condition?

• Avoid any action that may crush, press or bend foliage, petals and flowers.
• Avoid direct or indirect exposure to sunlight.
• Avoid the presence of intense sources of indirect light, including those behind glass or similar surfaces.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to environments with humidity levels above 50%.
• Avoid continuous exposure to temperatures exceeding 30°C.
• The use of these elements is recommended for indoor use only.

For which professionals is preserved Ilex useful?

• Florists: For dry flower arrangements that need a natural touch and are long lasting.
• Event organisers: Thanks to its low maintenance requirements, it can add a touch of elegance to a variety of decorative styles without the need for special care.
• Interior designers: Create a warm and cosy atmosphere. Especially useful for those looking for long-lasting decorations.

The most common occasions for Ilex?

• Wedding decorations: Often seen in centrepieces, floral arrangements and altar decorations, it adds a sophisticated touch. Especially for long events.
• Corporate Event Decoration: Usually seen at receptions, conferences and trade shows as it can add a professional touch and contribute to the corporate image.
• Interior design: Ideal for decorating interiors in offices, hotels or luxury homes, creating a welcoming atmosphere and giving a natural and consistent touch.

Production and preservation process

1. Selection and preparation: We carefully select the Ilex stems to ensure they are in optimum condition.
2. Preservative treatment: The preservative and colorant (50% glycerin + water + colorants) are applied by the absorption method, immersing the lower part of the stems in the liquid. After 24 to 36 hours, when the preservative has been totally absorbed, the product can pass to the next phase.
3. Drying: The product passes to the drying station with a higher temperature and a lower percentage of ambient humidity where it will remain for 24 to 48 hours.
4. Inspection and packaging: Finally, we remove damaged and wilted leaves and select only the best, healthiest and most attractive stems, and carefully pack it to protect it during transportation and storage.

Why do we believe so strongly in the quality of Saint Dorothy?

We carefully control the entire process. From the care and treatment of the plants, the specific manual selection of the specimens that present the best conditions, the preservation process, to the packaging and transport through our own transport service Verdnatura.

Before packaging, each plant is subjected to a final inspection. We check the integrity of the plant’s structure, flexibility and overall appearance. In addition, the plants are carefully packed to avoid damage during transport and we use packaging materials that protect the plants from moisture and shocks.

Finally, we collect and analyze feedback from florists and other customers to identify areas for improvement in our production and preservation processes and implement continuous improvements based on this feedback to ensure that our plants maintain the highest quality.

Santa Dorotea – A sure bet for quality

At Santa Dorotea we focus on quality and care in everything we do, both in what we produce and in what we select from the best producers in the world to offer you the best variety at competitive prices.