Holly, Ilex aquifolium - Shrub / tree

Holly comes in many varieties besides the familiar Christmas sort. The leaves are always evergreen, but there the similarities between all varieties ends. Some have smooth leaves - no prickles, some have prickles on their prickles, some have berries on their own, some have berries only if a partner is around and others don't have berries at all.

Hollies are either male or female, only females have berries and usually only if there is a male around for pollination, though a few types are self fertile. Most berries are red, but some have orange or yellow berries.

The leaf color varies from bright through dark green and many are variegated with cream or yellow leaf margins.

Recommended varieties are: 

Ilex aquifolium "Ferox argentea" - hedgehog holly. An unusual variegated holly - green leaves edged with cream - that has spines on the surface of the leaves as well as around the edges. Slow growing, colors best in a sunny position. Eventually gets to 25ft high by 12ft wide, but easily trimmed to less.

 Ilex J.C. van tol. A reliably  self-fertile and the closest to a perfect holly that we have, the draw-back - or not depending on how you see it - is that the leaves are smooth without the traditional spikes. To 20ft tall by 12ft wide, like all hollies, fairly slow growing.

Position: full sun or partial shade, variegated varieties develop the best color in full sun.

Soil: moist, well-drained neutral to slightly acid soil, though fairly unfussy.

Rate of growth: slow-growing

Other Features: make a good security hedge, or will help to protect an exposed downstairs window if planted below it.

Hardiness: fully hardy

Planting distance when used for hedging

30cm, 12"

2-4m, 6-12ft