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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.
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Other common names common holly English holly
holly holm hulst hulver
Synonyms Ilex aquifolium 'Heterophylla' Ilex aquifolium f. heterophylla
Ilex balearica
Family Aquifoliaceae
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
Details I. aquifolium is a medium-sized evergreen tree, slow-growing when young, with dark, glossy green, undulate and usually strongly spiny leaves. Small, dull white flowers in spring are followed by bright red berries, on pollinated female plants
Plant range Europe, N Africa, S&W Asia
Foliage Evergreen
Habit Bushy
Toxicity Berries may cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H6
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Aspect South-facing or North-facing or East-facing or West-facing
Exposure Exposed or Sheltered
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
MoistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
SoilChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Ultimate height Higher than 12 metres
Ultimate spread 4-8 metres
Time to ultimate height 20-50 years
Cultivation Grows best in a well-drained soil in a sunny position; also suitable for partial shade
Propagation Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types Flower borders and beds Hedging & Screens City & Courtyard Gardens Coastal Cottage & Informal Garden
Pruning Pruning group 1
Pests Aphids, scale insects and holly leaf miner may be a problem
Diseases May be affected by holly leaf blight
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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.