About
A dense, upright evergreen shrub or small tree about 6m tall, with purplish-green stems bearing spine-edged, variegated green leaves boldly splashed with gold in the centre. Small, white female flowers in late spring are followed by red berries through autumn, if pollinated by a male holly.
About the genus
Ilex can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees with often spiny leaves, small white flowers (male and female usually on separate plants) and, on female plants, showy berries in autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in a sunny position. Although partial shade is suitable, variegated cultivars have better leaf colour in full sun
PruningPruning group 1; trim hedges in early spring; remove shoots affected by reversion
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn to midwinter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, scale insects and holly leaf miner
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to phytophthora root rot and holly leaf blight