Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata’
Classic, handsome, and full of character, Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata’ is one of the most beautiful of all hollies. Its striking evergreen leaves are glossy deep green, boldly edged in creamy-white with a golden flush when young, giving the plant a luminous, elegant presence throughout the year.
A female variety, ‘Argentea Marginata’ bears clusters of small white flowers in spring that attract pollinators, followed in autumn and winter by bright red berries if a male pollinator is nearby. These jewel-like berries stand out against the variegated foliage, bringing festive colour to the garden and providing food for birds through the colder months.
This holly grows steadily into a dense, upright tree or large shrub, making it ideal for use as a specimen, for hedging, or for adding structure and height to mixed borders. Its variegated foliage is especially valuable in winter gardens, where the creamy edges lift darker spaces and add sparkle on grey days.
Tough and reliable, Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata’ is highly hardy and tolerates a wide range of conditions, including shade, exposed sites, and coastal gardens. It is also long-lived, making it a truly enduring choice for gardeners seeking permanence and year-round interest.
Growing conditions:
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Position: Full sun to deep shade
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Soil: Any fertile, well-drained soil
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Aspect: Hardy and wind-tolerant; suitable for exposed or coastal sites
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Care: Very low-maintenance; prune in late winter or spring to shape if required
Key features:
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Evergreen holly with glossy green leaves edged creamy-white and gold when young
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Female variety – produces bright red berries with a male pollinator nearby
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Excellent as a specimen, hedge, or large shrub
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Hardy, long-lived, and tolerant of shade and exposure