About
The spring blooms are lilac in colour which deepens as they age. A small, evergreen, pyramid-shaped tree about 4m tall, with long, intense green, lance-shaped leaves that are pink when young. These are followed by shiny dark red berries in autumn on female plants if there is a male for pollination.
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 typeSand, Loam, Chalk, Clay
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage 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 full sun or part shade
PruningPruning group 1; trim hedges in early spring
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn or propagate by hardwood cuttings in January with bottom heat
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