Ilex aquifolium 'Tromp Gold'

RHS Plant Profile
holly 'Tromp Gold'
Plants for pollinators
Shrubs Trees

Slow-growing evergreen shrubby tree to a height of 4m, with glossy, spiny leaves, the current years growth a golden yellow, most strongly so in winter, the older leaves are a bright mid-green. A male cultivar producing clusters of small white flowers in late spring, a useful pollinator for female holly plants

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand, Clay, Chalk

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand Clay Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Neutral or Alkaline or Acid

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Aquifoliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Ilex can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees with often spiny leaves, small white flowers (male and female usually on separate plants) and, on female plants, showy berries in autumn
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in a sunny position. Although partial shade is suitable, variegated or gold leaved cultivars have better leaf colour in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn or propagate by hardwood cuttings in January with bottom heat

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1; trim hedges in early spring

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects, holly leaf miner and young shoots may be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to holly leaf blight