ILEX

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.