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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 holly 'J.C. van Tol'
Synonyms Ilex aquifolium 'Polycarpa'
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 An evergreen self-fertile, female tree to 6m tall, of broadly upright habit with dark-purple young shoots and almost spineless, glossy, dark green ovate leaves. Small white flowers in spring and early summer are followed by abundant, bright red berries
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 North-facing or West-facing or East-facing or South-facing
Exposure Exposed or Sheltered
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
MoistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
SoilChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Ultimate height 4-8 metres
Ultimate spread 2.5-4 metres
Time to ultimate height 10-20 years
Cultivation Grow in moist but well-drained or well-drained soil in a sunny position or partial shade
Propagation Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn or hardwood cuttings in early January
Suggested planting locations and garden types Hedging & Screens Architectural Cottage & Informal Garden Wildlife Gardens
Pruning Pruning group 1; clip formally-grown plants in summer and trim hedges in early spring
Pests May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects and holly leaf miner
Diseases May be susceptible to holly leaf blight
RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team.
holly 'J.C. van Tol'
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