Ilex aquifolium Hedging – Classic Evergreen Security and Year-Round Interest

Ilex aquifolium, or English holly, is a timeless evergreen hedging choice that delivers structure, security, and seasonal beauty throughout the year. With its glossy, dark-green, spiny leaves and dense, bushy growth, holly forms an attractive, long-lived hedge that provides both privacy and natural protection.

In spring, small white flowers attract pollinators, followed by clusters of bright red berries in autumn and winter – a valuable food source for birds and a cheerful splash of colour in the colder months. Its tough, hardy nature makes Ilex aquifolium ideal for boundaries, wildlife-friendly gardens, and low-maintenance evergreen screens, thriving in a wide range of soils and conditions, including shade and exposed sites.

Key Features

• Year-Round Evergreen: Dense, glossy foliage for structure and privacy in every season

• Seasonal Interest: White spring flowers and vibrant red berries in autumn and winter

• Security Hedge: Naturally thorny leaves help deter intruders

• Wildlife Value: Nectar for pollinators and berries for birds

• Hardy & Low Maintenance: Tolerates shade, wind, and a range of soils

Ideal For

• Boundary hedges and evergreen screening

• Wildlife gardens and naturalistic planting schemes

• Low-maintenance, long-lived hedges

• Formal or informal garden designs

Growing Conditions

• Position: Full sun to deep shade

• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a variety of soil types

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK

• Care: Minimal – prune in late winter or early spring to shape if needed

Pros:

1. Cost-Effective: Bare root plants are generally cheaper than potted plants.
2. Variety: Greater selection of species available.
3. Establishment: Often establish quickly in the garden.

Cons:

1. Timing: Must be planted during the dormant season (late autumn to early spring).
2. Initial Care: Require careful handling and timely planting.

Preparation for Planting:

1. Soak Roots: Immerse the roots in water for a few hours before planting to rehydrate them.
2. Inspect: Trim any damaged roots with clean, sharp scissors.
3. Dig Hole: Ensure the hole is wide enough to spread roots out without bending them.
4. Consider Cutting back: Cutting back by up to 1/3, especially on taller plants will reduce possible losses and improve plant establishment.

Planting Process:

1. Plant Depth: Plant at the same depth they were grown in the nursery, indicated by the soil mark on the stem.
2. Fill Hole: Backfill with soil, ensuring no air pockets around the roots.
3. Water: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Possibility of Losses:

• Adjustment Period: Some plants may not survive the transition due to transplant shock or poor initial care.
• Mitigation: Proper planting techniques and aftercare, like regular watering and mulching, can reduce losses.

Aftercare Tips:

1. Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the establishment period.
2. Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
3. Protection: Protect young plants from extreme weather and pests.

Bare root planting is a straightforward, economical way to enhance your garden, provided you follow these essential steps to ensure successful establishment.

Full Guide to planting bare root can be found here

Ilex Aquifolium Hedging 40/60cm Bare Root Delivery Jan/Feb Grasslands Nursery Winter Hardy Average Rate Of Growth Evergreen

Does the height include the pot?

No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description

How long does delivery take?

Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.

Where will you leave my plants?

We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.