Ilex aquifolium

Description and Characteristics

Ilex aquifolium, or common/English holly, is a robust, evergreen tree or large shrub known for its spiny, glossy green leaves and bright red berries, which make it a symbol of winter gardens and festive displays. Native to Europe, including the British Isles, it is an iconic plant valued for both ornamental and wildlife interest.

The plant produces thick, leathery leaves with sharply toothed margins—especially on lower branches, while higher, more mature growth may have smoother edges. In spring, inconspicuous white-green flowers appear, which are important nectar sources for early pollinators. On female plants, these give way to vibrant red berries in autumn and winter, provided a male pollinator is nearby.

Ilex aquifolium is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants. To ensure berry production, both genders must be grown nearby.

It grows slowly, often reaching 6–15 metres in height over time, but it can be pruned to shape as a hedge, screen, or even clipped into topiary forms. Numerous cultivars exist, including variegated forms and those with more manageable size.

• Evergreen with glossy, dark green spiny leaves

• Red berries on female plants (with nearby male pollinator)

• Height: 6–15 m if unpruned; spread: 3–6 m

• Classic for winter gardens, hedging, wildlife support, and ornamental value

• Extremely long-lived and tolerant of urban conditions

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Ilex aquifolium is tough, adaptable, and suited to a wide range of sites once established. It’s ideal for hedges, woodland edges, or as a standalone feature tree in larger gardens.

• Light Requirements:

  • Grows well in full sun to full shade

  • Tolerates dappled woodland shade and north-facing positions

  • Foliage is densest in sunnier locations

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers moist, well-drained soil

  • Tolerates acidic, neutral, or slightly alkaline soils

  • Adapts well to clay, loam, or sandy soil types

• Watering Needs:

  • Water during dry spells in the first 1–2 years

  • Once established, drought-tolerant and very low-maintenance

• Feeding:

  • Minimal feeding needed; apply slow-release fertiliser in spring if desired

  • Mulch annually with organic compost or leaf mould

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Can be pruned formally or informally, depending on use

  • Trim in late winter or spring to shape or maintain hedges

  • Remove any suckers or basal shoots as needed

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 5–8 (RHS H6)

  • Fully frost-hardy across the UK and Ireland

  • Ideal for exposed and coastal locations

Garden Uses, Wildlife Value, and Companion Plants

Ilex aquifolium is a valuable year-round presence in gardens, combining structural evergreen foliage, seasonal berry colour, and ecological benefits. Its flexibility allows it to feature in a wide range of planting styles.

• Design Applications:

  • Use as a specimen tree, hedge, or backdrop shrub

  • Suitable for woodland gardens, native planting schemes, or formal avenues

  • Cultivars with variegated or softer foliage fit well into ornamental borders

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with Rhododendron, Camellia, Viburnum, Cornus, and Skimmia

  • Contrasts with light or silver foliage plants like Stachys or Santolina

  • Great underplanted with spring bulbs or woodland perennials

• Wildlife Benefits:

  • Flowers attract pollinators such as bees and hoverflies in spring

  • Berries feed birds (e.g., blackbirds, thrushes) through winter

  • Dense branches provide year-round nesting shelter for small birds

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Very resistant to pests and disease

  • Occasionally susceptible to leaf spot or scale insects, but rarely problematic

  • Wind-resistant and tolerant of pollution and salt spray

• Size
  2L 40-60cm

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.