Ilex aquifolium Common Holly evergreen 3-5ltr 40-60cm
Ilex aquifolium Common Holly evergreen 3-5ltr 40-60cm
Ilex aquifolium – Common Holly
A magnificent native evergreen tree perfect for creating dense, wildlife-friendly hedging. Common Holly features glossy dark green spiny leaves, delicate white spring flowers, and vibrant red berries that provide year-round interest and essential winter food for birds.
Key Features
- Dense evergreen foliage with iconic spiny leaves
- White flowers in spring attract pollinators
- Bright red berries on female plants (when pollinated)
- Excellent for formal or informal hedging
- Native UK species — supports local wildlife
- Slow-growing and long-lived
- Tolerates shade and most soil types
Planting & Care
Plant in full sun to full shade in well-drained soil. Holly tolerates most soil types including clay and chalk. Water regularly during establishment. Trim in late summer to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
Ideal Spacing for Hedging
Plant 45–60cm apart for a dense evergreen hedge. For specimen trees, allow 3–4 metres spacing.
Mature Size
Height: 4–8 metres (can be kept smaller with pruning) | Spread: 2–4 metres
Best Uses
- Evergreen hedging and screening
- Wildlife and bird-friendly gardens
- Formal topiary and shaping
- Specimen tree for year-round structure
- Traditional Christmas decoration source
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Planting Instructions
Plant in full sun to full shade in well-drained soil. Holly tolerates most soil types including clay and chalk. Space 45–60cm apart for a dense evergreen hedge, or 3–4 metres apart for specimen trees.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and incorporate organic matter. Backfill, firm in well, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to retain moisture. Water regularly during the first growing season. Trim in late summer to maintain shape and encourage dense growth. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring.
Size & Specification
Supplied in 3–5 litre pots at 40–60cm height. Ultimate height 4–8m (easily maintained smaller with pruning). Ultimate spread 2–4m. Slow-growing and long-lived. Fully hardy. Fully evergreen. Note: red berries are produced on female plants only when a male pollinator is nearby.
Delivery & Dispatch
Dispatched within 3–5 working days via overnight courier in protective packaging. Plants are carefully packaged to protect roots and foliage during transit. Please ensure someone is available to receive the delivery.
Wildlife & Ecological Notes
Common Holly is one of the most valuable native plants for wildlife. White flowers in spring attract bees and other pollinators. Bright red berries in winter are a critical food source for thrushes, blackbirds, redwings, and fieldfares. The dense, spiny evergreen canopy provides excellent year-round shelter and nesting cover for garden birds, and the impenetrable growth offers protection from predators. A superb choice for a wildlife-friendly native hedge.