Ilex Aquifolium - Holly

Ilex aquifolium, commonly known as Holly, is one of Britain’s most beautiful native broadleaved evergreen trees. In woodland settings, a mature Holly is particularly striking in winter, when its smooth grey trunk and glossy evergreen foliage stand out against bare deciduous trees. It is equally valued as a specimen tree, ornamental garden feature, or dense evergreen hedge. With its gleaming leaves and bright red berries, Holly is also an enduring symbol of Christmas.

Highly adaptable, Holly thrives in any well-drained soil and tolerates shade, exposed positions, and urban pollution. It forms a dense, spiny structure that makes it both stock-proof and intruder-resistant when used as a hedge. Its evergreen habit provides year-round screening and shelter, while its resilience to Honey Fungus makes it a recommended replacement in affected planting areas.

Holly is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate plants. Only female plants produce berries, and only when a male plant is nearby for pollination. When planted in quantity, both sexes are likely to be present. The berries ripen to bright red by November and are highly valued by birds. Young plants should be protected from rabbits, which are particularly fond of the bark and young shoots.

This is the size and type we sell: Ilex aquifolium Holly 40–60cm P9 Container, professionally grown for hedging, woodland planting, screening, and ornamental use.

Features & Benefits

Native evergreen tree with glossy, spiny leaves

Bright red berries on female plants (with pollination)

Excellent dense, stock-proof and intruder-proof hedge

Tolerant of shade, exposure, and pollution

Resistant to Honey Fungus

Ideal for formal hedging, topiary, or specimen planting

Provides year-round structure and winter interest

Applications

Formal evergreen hedging

Woodland specimen planting

Garden screening and wind-breaks

Topiary shapes and ornamental features

Wildlife-friendly planting schemes

Replacement planting in Honey Fungus affected areas

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 4m height x 2m spread

After 20 years: 6m height x 3m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Ilex aquifolium

Common Name | Holly

Plant Type | Evergreen native tree

Growth Rate | Slow to moderate

Mature Height | Up to 6m+

Mature Spread | Up to 3m

Soil Type | Any well-drained soil

Aspect | Full sun to full shade

Hardiness | Fully hardy in the UK

Plant Size & Type | 40–60cm P9 Container

Maintenance | Trim hedges and topiary in spring

Wildlife Value | Berries feed birds; dense evergreen shelter for nesting