Ilex aquifolium

Holly

An evergreen, dioecious tree to 12m high by 5m wide. Leaves are glossy, and dark green with spines on the margins. Flowers are small, white and insignificant. Fruit are small bright red balls, appearing on the female plants only. There are many cultivars, featuring different coloured berries, variegated foliage and spineless leaves.

Uses

Suitable as a specimen tree or as a hedging plant. Flowers and foliage are popular as a Christmas decoration.

Culture

Prefers full sun, a protected position and acidic, fertile, well-drained soils. Frost tolerant and drought sensitive. A male and female plant are required to produce the ornamental berries. Can be pruned or pollarded. Propagate from seed or woody cuttings.

Propagation

No information available at this time...

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