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Ilex aquifolium (common holly)

At Heijnen Plants, we take pride in cultivating the Ilex aquifolium, widely recognized as the common holly or English holly. This distinguished species, native to Europe, North Africa, and Southwestern Asia, is revered for its glossy, dark green leaves and the bright contrast of its delicate white flowers. As a versatile plant, it serves beautifully as a standalone specimen or as part of a lush, evergreen hedging. The Ilex aquifolium is an exquisite addition to any garden, offering year-round visual interest and a touch of classic elegance.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Once a year

Growth rate
20-30cm a year

Visual barrier
Quickly obscuring

Position
Shade, partial shade, sun

Maintenance
Low maintenance

2+ £26.75

25+ £25.45

50+ £24.75

100+ £24.10

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
60-80

Planting distance per meter
3

24.10

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £31.55

25+ £30.00

50+ £29.20

100+ £28.40

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
80-100

Planting distance per meter
3

28.40

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £42.40

25+ £40.25

50+ £39.20

100+ £38.15

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
100-125

Planting distance per meter
2,5

38.15

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £57.10

25+ £54.25

50+ £52.85

100+ £51.40

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
125-150

Planting distance per meter
2,5

51.40

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £89.80

15+ £85.35

25+ £83.10

50+ £80.85

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
150-175

Planting distance per meter
2

80.85

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £125.05

15+ £118.80

25+ £115.65

50+ £112.55

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
175-200

Planting distance per meter
2

112.55

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

Ilex aquifolium (common holly)

The Ilex aquifolium, commonly known as the English holly, is a quintessential symbol of winter celebrations, yet it offers year-round beauty as a hedge or solitary plant in the garden. This evergreen species is celebrated for its rich green foliage and vibrant red berries, which provide a striking contrast against the barren landscape of winter.

Hailing from Europe and regions of North Africa and Southwestern Asia, Ilex aquifolium thrives in a variety of conditions and offers a robust, quickly obscuring barrier for any space.

Key Features

The common holly is renowned for its adaptability, flourishing in sun or shade and tolerating all well-drained soil types. With a growth rate of 20 to 30 centimeters per year, it quickly forms a dense, protective screen, providing privacy and security for your garden.

Ilex's evergreen leaves retain their luscious green hue throughout all seasons, ensuring a perennial display of color. From April to May, delicate white flowers emerge, which then give way to the iconic red berries in autumn, persisting into winter.

The species boasts impressive winter hardiness, withstanding temperatures as low as -17.8°C to -20.5°C (USDA zone 6b), and requires minimal pruning, making it an ideal low-maintenance option for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Tips

When considering the Ilex aquifolium for your garden, it is essential to plant it with a root ball to ensure stability and health. Although it is not drought-resistant, with regular watering, especially in its formative years, it will establish a robust root system capable of supporting its elegant structure.

Propagation of this evergreen can be achieved through semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings, allowing you to expand your hedge or share it with fellow horticulture enthusiasts.

To maintain the neat appearance of your holly hedge, an annual pruning is recommended. This simple care routine ensures that your Ilex aquifolium remains a captivating feature in your garden throughout the year.

Ideal placement of a Ilex

Ilex aquifolium thrives in a variety of locations, from full sun to partial shade and even in shaded areas, though its growth may be less vigorous without ample sunlight. This species is not particular about soil types, provided the ground is well-drained. For optimal development, a location that offers protection from drying winds is preferable, as the plant is not drought-resistant. While it can endure cold temperatures down to USDA zone 6b, sheltering it from the harshest winter winds can help maintain its lush, evergreen foliage throughout the year.

Planting a Ilex

When planting Ilex aquifolium, the root ball should be settled into a well-dug hole that can comfortably accommodate its size. The soil should be all well-drained types, ensuring proper establishment. This species is versatile in its location requirements and thrives in full sun to full shade. Planting distance should be considered based on its use as a hedge or solitary feature, allowing for its annual growth rate of 20-30 cm. To facilitate robust development, the surrounding soil should be packed firmly, and the plant watered thoroughly after planting. Regular watering is recommended until the root system is well established.

Pruning a Ilex

To maintain an optimal shape, prune Ilex aquifolium once annually, ideally in late summer. This timing allows the hedge to recover and minimizes disruption to its growth cycle. As this species boasts a quick visual density, infrequent pruning will suffice to keep it manageable and aesthetically pleasing. When pruning, focus on removing dead or damaged branches and shaping the plant to your desired form. Always ensure that the tools used are clean and sharp to promote healthy regrowth.

Watering a Ilex

The Ilex aquifolium thrives best when the soil remains consistently moist, especially during its establishment phase. Once established, this species can tolerate a degree of dryness, but it is not drought-resistant, so regular watering during extended dry spells is necessary to maintain health and vigor. It's important to ensure that the plant receives adequate hydration without waterlogging, which can be achieved with well-drained soil. During the winter season, reduce the frequency of watering as the plant's growth slows and the cooler weather diminishes the soil's moisture evaporation rate.

Fertilising a Ilex

Fertilization of Ilex aquifolium is a straightforward process that supports its robust growth and vibrant berries. This species, known as European holly, thrives with a balanced fertilization regime. Once in early spring and again in late summer, apply a controlled-release fertilizer formulated for evergreen plants. The granules should be spread evenly around the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the foliage or stem to prevent any potential burn.

The nutrient boost will fortify the plant as it enters the growing season, encouraging healthy foliage and the development of the plant's trademark white flowers, which mature into distinctive red berries. With its evergreen leaves remaining a lustrous green throughout the year, adequate fertilization ensures that this species maintains its ornamental appeal in a variety of landscapes.

The characteristics of a Ilex

The Ilex aquifolium, renowned for its glossy, spiky leaves, makes an excellent natural fence that offers year-round privacy and an aesthetically pleasing boundary. Its ability to thrive in various soil types and its tolerance for partial shade make it a versatile choice for gardeners. Moreover, the vibrant red berries, which appear in winter, provide a striking contrast to the evergreen foliage and serve as a crucial food source for birds during the colder months.

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