Ilex or holly is a huge family with many different varieties. They can be evergreen shrubs or trees, they differ so much depending on the variety a...
View full detailsHolly plants are versatile and diverse shrubs, ideal for a range of gardening needs. These dense evergreens come in various colours, perfect for adding a splash of colour to your landscape. Beyond their iconic prickly appearance, Holly, also known as Ilex, makes an excellent screen hedge. Its thick, dense foliage creates a natural barrier that provides privacy and shelter throughout the year, making it both a practical and attractive choice for your garden.
Holly hedging is also an ideal option if you are keen on attracting wildlife to your garden. Their flowers draw bees and butterflies to your outdoor space, while a host of birds and small garden animals will appear in autumn when berries begin popping up. The dense nature of holly hedging makes it a perfect nesting site for birds during winter, offering shelter and protection with its prickly leaves acting as a deterrent for potential predators.
Ilex 'Madam Briot' has glossy, dark green leaves and bright red berries. Its dense, upright growth makes it ideal for formal hedges and privacy screens. Best sited in full sun to partial shade.
Ilex crenata, or Japanese holly, features small, rounded leaves and black berries. It is perfect for low hedges or topiary due to its compact growth. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Ilex 'Gold King' showcases glossy green leaves with golden-yellow edges and red berries. Its vibrant foliage adds colour to garden beds and hedges. Best positioned in full sun to partial shade.
Ilex Lawsoniana boasts unique blue-green foliage with a spiky appearance and red berries. Its dense, textured growth is ideal for mixed borders and formal gardens. Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Ilex argentea features silver-edged leaves and red berries. Its ornamental foliage is perfect for adding elegance to garden borders and as a feature plant. Best sited in full sun to partial shade.
Ilex aquifolium, or English holly, is known for its classic spiky, dark green leaves and bright red berries. Ideal for creating dense, secure hedges and adding seasonal interest. Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Ilex meserveae 'Heckenfee' has glossy, dark green leaves and vibrant red berries. Its compact, dense growth makes it perfect for low hedges and decorative features. Best sited in full sun to partial shade.
Ilex meserveae 'Heckenfee' has glossy, dark green leaves and vibrant red berries. Its compact, dense growth makes it perfect for low hedges and decorative features. Best sited in full sun to partial shade.
Ilex 'Dragon Lady' is known for its spiky, dark green leaves and bright red berries. This bold variety is perfect for dramatic hedges and garden focal points. Best positioned in full sun to partial shade.
Ilex meserveae 'Blue Maid' features rich blue-green leaves and bright red berries. Its dense, upright habit is perfect for secure hedges and adding colour contrast. Best sited in full sun to partial shade.
In the UK, holly (Ilex) thrives in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade and prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH. It can tolerate clay, loam, and sandy soils but struggles in overly moist or waterlogged areas.
For optimal growth and berry production, plant holly where it's protected from strong winds, which can damage foliage. Use a mix of soil and compost for new hedges to provide nutrients, and water regularly, especially in summer. Holly is slow growing, typically gaining only six to nine inches in height each year, making it suitable for garden borders, hedges, and feature plants in mixed beds.
Holly (Ilex) used for hedging typically grows at a moderate rate, averaging around 20 to 30 centimeters per year under optimal conditions. This slow to moderate growth makes it ideal for creating dense, structured hedges that provide excellent privacy and security.
Holly thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade, making it versatile for various garden settings. Regular pruning is essential to maintain the hedge's shape, density, and overall health, ensuring a robust, attractive screen year-round.
Regularly water holly plants, especially during dry periods and in their first few years, to help establish deep roots. Be mindful not to overwater, as holly prefers well-drained soil.
Prune holly in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged branches. Light trimming throughout the growing season can help maintain the desired size and shape.
Feed holly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and berry production. Apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and provide additional nutrients.
Small, pale, or brown trails on leaves, caused by larvae burrowing inside. Leaves may become discolored and drop prematurely.
Bumps on leaves and stems, often accompanied by a sticky, honeydew substance and black sooty mold.
Tiny yellow or white specks on leaves, webbing on the undersides, and a dusty appearance. Leaves may yellow and fall off.
Brown, black, or yellow spots on leaves, often with a distinct border. In severe cases, leaves may drop early.
