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
  
  To find out more about how to plant a hedge, click here
  
  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.