Overview
Ilex aquifolium is a shrub in the genus Ilex, part of the Aquifoliaceae family. It typically grows around 9.0 m tall. Ilex aquifolium grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include hedging, specimen plant and wildlife garden. It is native to Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baleares, Belgium, Bulgaria, Corse, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain and Greece.
About
Ilex aquifolium, the holly, common holly, English holly, European holly, or occasionally Christmas holly, is a species of flowering plant in the family Aquifoliaceae, native to western and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. It is regarded as the type species of the genus Ilex, which by association is also called holly.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ilex aquifolium
About the genus
Ilex or holly is a genus of over 570 species of flowering plants in the family Aquifoliaceae, and the only living genus in that family. Ilex has the most species of any woody dioecious angiosperm genus. The species are evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers from tropics to temperate zones worldwide.
Wikipedia contributors, "Holly", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Holly
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ilex
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- sheltered, exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Ilex aquifolium size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub, tree
- Height
- 9.0 m
- Suggested uses
- hedging, specimen plant, wildlife garden
- Native to
- Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baleares, Belgium, Bulgaria, Corse, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece
- Toxicity
- toxic to humans if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ilex aquifolium
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates shade and sun; avoid waterlogged conditions
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood
- Propagation
- Seed, semi-ripe cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ilex aquifolium?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates shade and sun; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Ilex aquifolium?
Ilex aquifolium prefers full sun and full shade. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.
What soil does Ilex aquifolium need?
Ilex aquifolium is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Ilex aquifolium?
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
How big does Ilex aquifolium grow?
Ilex aquifolium reaches a height of 9.0 m.
Is Ilex aquifolium hardy in the UK?
Ilex aquifolium has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Ilex aquifolium?
Seed, semi-ripe cuttings.
Is Ilex aquifolium toxic?
Toxic to humans if ingested.
More in the Ilex genus
- Ilex 'Clusterberry' (f)
- Ilex 'Lydia Morris' (f)Holly
- Ilex serrata
- Ilex verticillata 'Winter Gold' (f)Winterberry
