Ilex aquifolium
English holly
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: moist, well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil
- Rate of growth: slow-growing
- Flowering period: May and June
- Flower colour: white
- Other features: the berries may cause a mild stomach upset if ingested; to guarantee berries it's necessary to plant a male holly nearby; stems of holly are ideal for floral arrangements
- Hardiness: fully hardy
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Lustrous, spiny, dark green leaves and long-lasting, bright red berries from autumn to winter. In time this English holly forms a tall conical tree - making a majestic, evergreen specimen plant for large gardens or parks. By far the commonest native tree, it will thrive in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. - Garden care: Plants grown as free-standing specimens require minimal pruning - remove diseased or misplaced branches in spring. Trim plants grown as formal hedges in late summer. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base of the plant.
Unfortunately we cannot guarantee the sex of our plants.
Sarcococca confusa
sweet box
Sweetly scented, pure white flowers December to March
Mahonia × media 'Winter Sun'
mahonia
Evergreen shrub with bright yellow winter flowers
Hamamelis × intermedia 'Diane'
witch hazel
Coppery-red, scented, spidery flowers in winter
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