Ilex aquifolium
(Common Holly)
Ilex aquifolium is one of Britain's few native evergreen trees. Commonly associated with Christmas, it has distinctive spiny evergreen leaves and bright red winter berries, providing year round interest. It is normally a small shrub, although left unpruned can grow to more than 20m.
As a dioecious variety, it has separate male and female plants. White flowers appear in May and pollination is generally carried out by bees and other insects. The berries emerge on female plants around November. This plant will grow on almost any well drained soil, and is extremely tolerant of shady conditions.
At Deepdale Trees, we are also offering other varieties of holly, including Ilex Nellie Stevens and Ilex aquifolium variegata. Ilex Nellie Stevens is an exceptionally nice female clone with smooth dark glossy leaves and orange/red berries. This variety makes a particularly good standard tree.
Plant Profile
Name: Ilex aquifolium
Common Name: Common Holly
Family: Aquifoliaceae
Height: 3-6m
Shape: Large domed shrub or small conical tree
Leaves: Evergreen
Flower: Incospicuous white flowers in May
Fruit: Red berries from November into early spring.
Ilex aquifolium (common Holly) 3m feathered
Ilex aquifolium - Red Holly berries
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Nellie Stevens Std |
Nellie Stevens berries |
Variegated Cone | Half Standard |
