About
This small tree or large, wide-spreading shrub to a height of around 3m, with small, glossy, dark green, deeply spined leaves. Small orange-red berries follow clusters of white spring flowers on female plants, if pollinated by a male nearby.
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 typeLoam, Sand, Clay, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, 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 full sun or part shade
PruningPruning group 1; trim hedges in early spring
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn
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