Product description
Synonymous with Christmas and better known as Common Holly, Ilex aquifolium has plenty of value all year round. Its spiny, glossy green leaves provide structure and foliage interest throughout the year. In spring, small, white, four-petalled flowers appear, lasting well into the summer.
Bright red berries emerge from autumn to mid-winter and remain in place throughout the colder months. It’s worth noting that berries are only produced on female holly shrubs with a male Ilex planted nearby.
Ilex is a low maintenance garden shrub that largely takes care of itself. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and a spot in full sun or partial shade. Water during particularly dry spells and prune the plant after flowering to maintain the desired size and shape.
Holly is a magnet for local wildlife, providing nectar, food, and shelter for bees, butterflies, insects, birds, and small mammals.
Please Note: When purchasing plants, please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only. The plant will be supplied in a growers pot. Depending on season, some plants may be pruned back to encourage growth and deciduous plants may arrive without leaves.
Holly
Ilex aquifolium
Ilex aquifolium
Plant more, save more
Product description
Synonymous with Christmas and better known as Common Holly, Ilex aquifolium has plenty of value all year round. Its spiny, glossy green leaves provide structure and foliage interest throughout the year. In spring, small, white, four-petalled flowers appear, lasting well into the summer.
Bright red berries emerge from autumn to mid-winter and remain in place throughout the colder months. It’s worth noting that berries are only produced on female holly shrubs with a male Ilex planted nearby.
Ilex is a low maintenance garden shrub that largely takes care of itself. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and a spot in full sun or partial shade. Water during particularly dry spells and prune the plant after flowering to maintain the desired size and shape.
Holly is a magnet for local wildlife, providing nectar, food, and shelter for bees, butterflies, insects, birds, and small mammals.
Please Note: When purchasing plants, please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only. The plant will be supplied in a growers pot. Depending on season, some plants may be pruned back to encourage growth and deciduous plants may arrive without leaves.
Give your plants the best start
Garden Plant Size Guide
Plants in larger pots can be multiple years older than their smaller counterparts with more mature root systems and foliage. This makes them able to thrive as a full size plant in your garden quicker than smaller alternatives.
The most common size of pot that garden plants come in are 9cm/1L/3L/5L this is in reference to the diameter at the top of the pot.
9cm potted plants still remain the most popular cost effective option though, they just may take a little patience to allow them to grow into full maturity once planted in your garden.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
For the best berry production, plant a male Ilex nearby to pollinate female plants.
How to Water
Water Ilex regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering. The soil should remain moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter.
How to Plant
Plant Ilex in well-draining, acidic soil in a location with partial to full sunlight. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, place the plant at the same depth as it was in the pot, and backfill with soil. Water well after planting.
