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ILEX

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ILEX

Commonly known as Common holly, English holly

Another member of the Christmas trinity with Ivy and Fir.

Another essential for the garden, either as a specimen, a backdrop to other plantings or even in a container for a few sprigs for a seasonal arrangement.

Gaudy golds, less showy silvers and subtle dark greens and berries in red, black, occasionally white, orange or yellow.

Genus of over 400 species of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs and, rarely, climbers, from woodland in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions.

The native, I. aquifolium is a small tree of mysticism and magic, a protector of the house from evil and lightning and provider of timber for the finest woodwork.

Further Reading....

Evergreen
Dark-green glossy leaves, 5-10cm (2-4in) long.
Height
15-25m (49-82ft)
Spread
8m (26ft)
Hedge
Ideal for hedging

Suitable for a coastal hedge if given some protection from direct sea-winds
Tree
Or shrub. Plentiful flower clusters.
Hardy - cold winter
Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
Full sun
Partial shade

Details
Mature Size
Tips and Advice
Other Suggestions
See Also...

Additional Features

	Good to know	An ideal pollinator. Wildlife plant - insects
	Pests & Diseases	Scale insects, leaf miners.
	Place of origin	Western and southern Europe, northern Africa,western Asia.

Garden Location/Conditions

Coastal / windswept

Slightly back from the sea with more shelter

Hardiness

Fully hardy

Pruning group

Pruning group 1

Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.

Seasonal Interest

	Autumn
	Spring
	Summer
	Winter

Soil Conditions

Fertile moist well-drained soil

Tree Shape

	Broadly columnar
	Conical

Wildlife

	Bee friendly
	Butterfly friendly

Cold weather damage to evergreen plants

What do with cold weather damage

Ilex - Growing Guide

Trees - Care Guide

15-25m (49-82ft)
	8m (26ft)

Buy Varieties of ILEX

ILEX x altaclerensis 'Camelliifolia'

Highclere holly

pyramidical habit with purple stems and scarlet fruit. Leaves have few spines and are a glossy dark shiny green

ILEX

Commonly known as Common holly, English holly

ILEX x altaclerensis 'Camelliifolia'

ACER campestre

ILEX aquifolium 'Silver Queen'

ALOYSIA citrodora

Buy Varieties of ILEX

Useful extras...