Ilex Mix Care Guide

Ilex — commonly known as holly — is a tough, long-lived evergreen shrub or small tree, loved for its glossy foliage and bright berries. The mix includes different holly types, from classic deep green leaves to attractive variegated forms, with either spiny or softer leaf edges. Hollies are ideal for hedging, screening, specimen planting, and festive displays. Fully hardy and low-maintenance once established, they provide year-round structure, seasonal berries, and valuable wildlife habitat.

Planting & Position

Getting the right spot will help your holly establish quickly and grow strong for many years.

• Light requirements:

  • Tolerates full sun to partial shade.

  • Variegated types prefer some sun to maintain leaf colour, while deep green hollies tolerate more shade.

• Soil:

  • Thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soils.

  • Adaptable to most soil types, including clay and loam, if not waterlogged.

  • Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH but tolerates mildly alkaline soils.

• Planting time:

  • Best planted in autumn or spring, when soil is moist and not frozen or waterlogged.

  • Water well before and after planting.

• Spacing:

  • For a hedge: plant 60–90 cm apart.

  • As individual shrubs or trees: allow 1.5–2 m for mature spread.

• Pollination:

  • Many hollies are dioecious (male and female flowers on separate plants).

  • To enjoy berries, ensure there is at least one male plant nearby to pollinate females (often included in mixed packs).

• Containers:

  • Can be grown in large pots (45 cm+) using quality loam-based compost with added grit for drainage.

Care & Maintenance

Once established, Ilex is very low-maintenance and highly resilient.

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first year to help roots establish.

  • Mature hollies are drought-tolerant but appreciate deep watering in prolonged dry spells.

  • Container plants need consistent moisture, especially in summer.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a slow-release, balanced shrub fertiliser in spring.

  • Mulch annually with compost or leaf mould to keep roots cool and improve soil health.

• Pruning & shaping:

  • Naturally dense and tidy but can be clipped to shape in late spring or summer.

  • Great for hedges or topiary — responds well to light trimming.

  • Avoid cutting into old bare wood where regrowth may be slow.

• Pests & diseases:

  • Generally pest-free; occasionally may suffer from holly leaf miner or scale insects.

  • Very resistant to most common garden diseases.

• Hardiness:

  • Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland; withstands frost, wind, and pollution.

Design Uses & Seasonal Interest

The Ilex mix offers year-round structure and festive charm for any garden style.

• Hedging & screening:

  • Dense, evergreen foliage creates attractive, wildlife-friendly privacy screens.

  • Ideal for boundary hedges with seasonal berry interest.

• Specimen planting:

  • Stunning as a feature shrub or small tree in borders or lawns.

  • Variegated types brighten darker areas.

• Containers & doorways:

  • Perfect in pots to frame entrances — can be clipped into neat balls, cones, or pyramids.

• Seasonal appeal:

  • Spring: Glossy new foliage emerges.

  • Summer: Neat, dense structure and subtle flowers loved by pollinators.

  • Autumn–Winter: Bright berries on female plants add colour and attract birds.

  • Evergreen leaves provide structure when most plants are bare.

• Wildlife value:

  • Flowers support bees; berries feed birds in winter.

  • Dense foliage gives shelter and nesting spots for small birds.

In summary: Ilex Mix is a hardy, evergreen classic for hedges, screens, or statement planting. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil, water while young, feed in spring, and trim lightly to maintain shape. With glossy leaves, seasonal berries, and excellent resilience, holly is an easy, long-term choice for gardens of any style.

• Size
  80-100 CM C10

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.
 

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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.
 

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