Holly | Ilex aquifolium 'J.C. van Tol'
Red jewels on an emerald sea
Grown by Mike
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Premium Plant in a 7.5L Pot
120-150cm inc. pot on arrival
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Plant diary
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Holly
Ilex aquifolium 'J.C. van Tol'
- Ilex aquifolium 'J.C. van Tol' is a distinguished evergreen shrub uniquely characterised by its smooth, almost entirely spineless dark green leaves that elegantly contrast with traditional prickly varieties.
- Unlike many dioecious hollies, this versatile holly is reliably self-fertile and requires no male companion to guarantee a spectacular annual display of fruit.
- Throughout the autumn and winter months, this shrub yields an abundant profusion of brilliant red berries that provide a vital winter foraging resource for local bird populations.
- As a remarkably hardy and adaptable specimen, this holly thrives gracefully in urban pollution or coastal winds while performing admirably in full sun to partial shade.
- Thanks to its dense, bushy growth habit and resilient nature, this evergreen serves as an exceptional structural hedge that easily withstands both formal shaping and hard regenerative pruning.
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, Holly can be grown in a pot, provided you use a suitably sized container with good drainage.
How big does it get?
The Ilex aquifolium 'J.C. van Tol' can grow to a height of 6 to 8 metres and a spread of 4 to 6 metres if left unpruned.
How much sunlight does this need?
The Holly prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring about 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
Holly prefers well-drained soil of any type.
How much watering does this plant need?
The Holly requires moderate watering, needing about 2.5 centimetres of water per week during dry spells.
Will this plant need pruning?
No, the Holly does not strictly require pruning, although you may remove dead or damaged branches if necessary. If you do prune, ensure temperatures are above 5 degrees Celsius to avoid frost damage.
How hardy is this plant?
Holly is fully hardy across the UK with an RHS rating of H6, withstanding temperatures down to -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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