Ilex aquifolium – Common holly, English holly

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Aquifoliaceae

Ilex aquifolium – Common holly, English holly

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Grows from a shrub into a small or medium-size tree with a pyramidal to broad oval crown. The crown branches very densely. This effect is reinforced by the tough, evergreen leaf. The leaves are glossy dark green and have a very undulate margin with several pronounced prickles. The flowers are small and inconspicuous. They are hermaphroditic. The female flowers are followed by glossy red, fleshy drupes (commonly called ‘berries’). The Common holly is indigenous to western Europe and an important tree in the cultural history of various peoples. Prefers a humic, moist but well-drained soil and tolerates either acidic or calcareous soil. I. aquifolium is an excellent hedge plant as well as being used as a park tree, in narrow streets and in gardens. Dozens of cultivars have been named, many of which have variegated leaves.
Availability
High (2)
Specifications
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Height
5 - 10 (15) m
Width
3-5m
Crown
pyramidal to broad oval, dark, dense crown
Bark and branches
twigs green, bark light green-brown, smooth
Leaf
oval to elongated ovate, glossy dark green, margin undulate and spiky, 3.5 - 8 cm, evergreen
Flowers
unisexual, white, in clusters in the leaf axils, May/June
Fruits
fleshy drupe, about 5 mm, red
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
has toxic components
Soil type
humic, moist but well-drained soil
Paving
tolerates no paving
Winter hardiness zone
6b (-20,5 to -17,8 °C)
Wind resistance
very good
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6), can withstand wind
Fauna tree
provides food for birds
Application
tree containers, roof gardens, coastal areas, small gardens, patio gardens
Shape
clearstem tree
Origin
Western, central and southern Europe, North Africa and Middle East
Clear stem tree acid soil calcareous soil loamy soil nutrient-poor soil peaty soil sandy soil tolerates no paving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) suitable for shadow can withstand wind broad conical 3rd size, smaller than 6 metres dense crown green average growing provides food for birds toxic components Ornamental fruit
Frequently asked questions
Ilex aquifolium

Ilex aquifolium can eventually reach a height of 5 - 10 (15) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Ilex aquifolium is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 5 - 10 (15) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The right time to plant Ilex aquifolium is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Ilex aquifolium with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Ilex aquifolium blooms in may.
General