English Holly | Ilex aquifolium
A festive British icon
Grown by Mike
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
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Plant diary
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English Holly
Ilex aquifolium
- Ilex aquifolium, the English holly tree, is a medium-sized evergreen tree known for its iconic winter berries
- Strong, spiny leaves in a dark, glossy green
- Slow growing and bushy, up to 12m high and 8m spread, responding well to pruning and forming a hedge
- On female plants, small white spring flowers become bright red berries through autumn and winter
- One of Britain’s few native evergreen trees
- Our trees are professionally pruned before dispatching.
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Habit
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, English Holly can be grown in a pot initially. Start with a 50cm pot. Depending on its vigour, it may need moving to the ground after a few years. Ensure adequate drainage and water regularly during warm weather above 20°C.
How big does it get?
The English Holly reaches a mature height of 10 to 15 metres, with a spread of 5 to 8 metres, although it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.
How much sunlight does this need?
English Holly prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
English Holly prefers moist, well-drained soil, but is highly adaptable to a variety of garden soil types, withstanding temperatures down to -10°C. Provide a 5cm layer of mulch to protect the roots.
How much watering does this plant need?
English Holly requires regular watering, especially during its first few years of establishment. Provide approximately 10 to 20 litres of water per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but well-drained. During hot weather above 25°C, increase watering frequency to prevent the roots from drying out.
Will this plant need pruning?
English Holly is best pruned in late summer, trimming back by 10-20cm to maintain its shape.
How hardy is this plant?
Ilex aquifolium is fully hardy across the UK with an RHS rating of H6, enduring temperatures between -15°C and -20°C.
The wider garden
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Meet Mike
Tree-growing skills honed right across the globe
Having started out in Australia, studied in Northern Ireland and volunteered at an organic farm in Sweden, it’s fair to say Mike’s done his fair share of travel on his horticultural journey, so far! Having happily laid down roots here at Roots, Mike is the don behind our tree-growing operation, imparting each and every one of his globally-honed skills to benefit your garden. Grown in our purpose-built nursery, in the ideal climatic conditions of the fertile Vale of Evesham, we’re proud to supply only the happiest, healthiest and hardiest trees.
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