Ilex Aquifolium 'Alaska' β A Hardy, Evergreen Holly with Glossy Green Foliage and Vibrant Red Berries
Ilex Aquifolium 'Alaska', commonly known as Alaska Holly, is an exquisite evergreen shrub that adds year-round beauty to any garden. With its glossy, dark green leaves and a profusion of striking red berries in the winter, 'Alaska' brings vibrant colour and texture even during the colder months. This hardy holly is prized for its compact growth habit and resilience, making it an excellent choice for borders, hedging, or as an accent plant. Whether used as a focal point in a garden or as part of a larger landscape design, 'Alaska' provides an elegant, festive touch throughout the seasons.
Why Grow Ilex Aquifolium 'Alaska'?
Vibrant Red Berries β One of the standout features of 'Alaska' is its brilliant red berries that emerge in autumn and persist into winter. These berries provide a striking contrast against the dark green leaves, bringing seasonal colour to the garden even in the coldest months.
Compact & Dense Growth Habit β With its dense, bushy form, 'Alaska' makes an excellent choice for privacy hedging, foundation plantings, or smaller gardens. Its compact size allows it to fit into various spaces without overwhelming the surrounding landscape.
Evergreen Foliage β 'Alaska' retains its glossy green foliage year-round, offering continuous texture and structure to the garden. Its bold, spiny leaves create a sharp contrast against softer plants, making it a versatile addition to any garden design.
Pollinator-Friendly β The small, inconspicuous flowers that appear in spring are a valuable nectar source for pollinators, such as bees. The berries that follow provide food for birds, making it a wildlife-friendly choice for your garden.
Planting & Care Guide
Position: Prefers full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate some shade, it thrives best in bright, sunny locations, which help to promote the best berry production.
Soil: Best planted in well-drained, fertile soil. 'Alaska' prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil but is adaptable to a variety of soil types as long as they are not waterlogged.
Watering: Water regularly during dry periods, especially when newly planted. Once established, 'Alaska' is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture to ensure healthy growth and abundant berries.
Maintenance:
Pruning is minimal but can be done after flowering or in early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. Light pruning will encourage a fuller, more compact form, though 'Alaska' naturally maintains a dense habit.
Mulching around the base helps to retain moisture, keep the roots cool, and prevent weeds, particularly in the warmer months. In colder climates, mulching also protects the plantβs roots during winter.
Fertilizing annually with a balanced fertilizer in early spring can boost growth and berry production, though 'Alaska' is generally low-maintenance once established.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Ilex Aquifolium 'Alaska' pairs wonderfully with other evergreen plants like Boxwood, Yew, or Laurel, where its vibrant red berries contrast beautifully with their darker foliage. For a striking winter display, combine it with winter-flowering shrubs like Viburnum or Camellia, which provide additional colour and interest during the colder months. It also looks stunning alongside perennials like Hellebores or ferns, where the contrast between the holly's sharp leaves and the soft textures of these plants creates a dynamic visual effect. In mixed borders, 'Alaska' offers structure and seasonal colour, making it a versatile choice for almost any landscape design
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.