Ilex Aquifolium (Holly)

Ilex aquifolium, commonly known as Holly, is a hardy, long-lived evergreen tree and native hedging plant valued for its glossy foliage, bright red berries and year-round structure. It is an excellent choice for native hedging, screening, woodland planting, wildlife gardens and specimen trees.

Holly is slow-growing when young, developing into a large, dense evergreen tree with dark, glossy green leaves, usually with strongly spiny edges. The dense foliage provides excellent year-round screening and shelter for wildlife.

Small white flowers appear in spring, with female plants producing abundant bright red berries when pollinated. The berries provide an important food source for birds through autumn and winter.

As a tree, Holly can eventually reach approximately 10–15 metres or more in height, although it responds well to pruning and can be maintained as a smaller tree or dense hedge. Its tolerance of clipping makes it particularly useful for formal and informal evergreen hedging.

Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Holly is highly adaptable and particularly useful for evergreen privacy screening, native hedges and wildlife-friendly gardens.

Please note: Holly berries are toxic if eaten by humans and pets.