Ilex aquifolium
common holly
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
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green | Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Aquifoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Berries may cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, N Africa, S&W Asia
How to grow
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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
Aphids, scale insects and holly leaf miner may be a problem
Diseases
May be affected by holly leaf blight
Get involved
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