About
Evergreen tree to about 15m in height, with a narrow, conical habit, glossy slender mid-green leaves, and small purplish-pink flowers in late spring and early summer followed by abundant dark red fruits in autumn.
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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil in a sunny or part-shaded position with shelter from cold winds
PruningSee pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn to midwinter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, holly leaf miner and young shoots may be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to holly leaf blight, Phytophthora root rot and sometimes honey fungus