Silver Variegated Holly | Ilex 'Argenteo Marginata'
A classic holly with a twist
Grown by Mike's trusted specialists
Europe
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Silver Variegated Holly
Ilex 'Argenteo Marginata'
- A large, slow growing evergreen with broad spiky leaves outlined in silvery white and plentiful clusters of red berries throughout autumn and winter
- Foliage emerges purple-pink before taking on a deep green colour, with small white flowers from May to June
- An ideal specimen tree for a sunny, medium sized garden, this holly is also great for coastal and urban sites as it shrugs off pollution and salt air
- Grows up to 15m high and 4m wide, responding well to pruning and suitable for growing as a hedge
- Needs a male plant nearby (within a mile or so) to produce berries
- Trimmings can be used as Christmas decor or in floristry
- RHS Award of Garden Merit winner
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Flower colour
Habit
Hardiness
Spacing
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, Silver Variegated 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 Silver Variegated Holly reaches a height of 8 to 10 metres, with a spread of 4 to 6 metres, although it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.
How much sunlight does this need?
Silver Variegated 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?
Silver Variegated 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?
Silver Variegated 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?
Silver Variegated Holly is best pruned in late summer, trimming back by 10-20cm to maintain its shape.
How hardy is this plant?
The silver variegated holly is fully hardy throughout the UK with an RHS rating of H6, tolerating winter temperatures as low as -20°C.
The wider garden
Europe
Meet Mike's trusted specialists
Start with a touch of continental sun
Over 99% of our plants are grown in the UK, but where that’s not possible, Mike sources the best specialist growers in Europe for the job. Think citrus warmed by Sicilian sun, topiary trained by Dutch masters, almonds nourished in the Dordogne and bamboo bathed in Tuscan heat. Our handpicked growers nurture these plants to maturity before handing over to our team in the Cotswolds, to toughen them up for UK gardens.
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