Holly (Ilex aquifolium) Hedge Plant Description
Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is an ideal hedging plant for many reasons. It is slow growing, so needs little maintenance, its dense form and prickly leaves are a good intruder deterrent, its berries on pollinated plants provide food for native birds throughout the winter and it can be trimmed into a superb formal decorative hedge which provides an excellent windbreak and is also pollution resistant. Being evergreen, Holly keeps its fantastic foliage year round providing you with year round interest and winter cover. Holly is also a very popular choice to include in a native mixed hedge (it is one of the few native evergreens) to provide some winter colour and protection for wildlife. Consider adding a number of our native plants to a mixed feature as this will create a hedge full of diverse colours, shapes and textures. You can also see our whole collection of prickly hedge plants which can be planted alongside Holly for an outstanding, intruder proof hedge.
Ilex aquifolium leaves are glossy dark green and berries can be either red or orange. It grows by approx 10-15 cm p.a. and should be trimmed in late winter or early spring when dormant. It likes full or partial shade and moist (but not wet) soil and is suitable for exposed sites, seaside gardens. To prevent hungry birds eating all the berries (so that there are some left for Christmas decorations), tie netting over selected stems or cut a few stems in early/mid December and stand them in a bucket of water in a cool shed and they should stay fresh. Always make sure there's plenty of alternative bird food available before reserving Holly branches for the Christmas decorations please! See also our range of hedges with berries.
We do stock both Ilex aquifolium and Ilex aquifolium 'Alaska' when available, which is hardier and bushier then the native cultivar, Ilex aquifolium, but stock levels are entirely dependent upon the season's growth. As such, the variety supplied will be reflective of the best stock available at that time based on productive and healthy growth. (Please note that this season we are stocking only Ilex aquifolium due to growth and availability issues with the Alaska variety) Ilex aquifolium is our traditional species and has purple stems, darker, more prickly leaves and can be slightly less dense in habit. Unlike Ilex aquifolium however, the Alaska variety isn't a native Holly species.
See our ultimate Holly hedging guide for more information on this fantastic species.
You’ll see our recommended planting densities for each size and root type listed in the product grid. We suggest that you use these as a guide, taking into consideration how long you’re willing to wait to see your finished hedge. As a rough indication bare roots can be planted at anything from 3 to 7 per metre and cell grown between 4 and 6 - the higher densities here would need to be planted in a double staggered row or zig-zag.
For more information on planting distances please see our
planting density advice section.
English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) generally needs little or no pruning except to remove dead, diseased or damaged shoots, or to remove cross shoots causing congestion. The ideal time for pruning English Holly hedging is during dormancy in late winter or early spring; for prolific berrying however, leave pruning until flowering has occurred and then trim only non-flowering shoots.
Whilst annual maintenance pruning only requires a light touch, English Holly will tolerate being significantly trimmed back if overgrown or too large. However, this kind of hard pruning should only take place in the winter months during the dormant period.
Mulching and feeding after pruning will be beneficial for the plant and help it to recover more quickly from its trim.
Free delivery is available on all orders providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:
| Packaging Type | Standard Delivery Charge | Minimum Order Values (incl VAT) for FREE Delivery |
|---|
| Small Box (Bare Roots up to 1.2m) | £12 delivery charge (orders up to £60 incl VAT) | Orders of £60 and over - FREE |
| Box (Pots up to and incl. 7.5L) | £12 delivery charge (orders up to £100 incl VAT) | Orders of £100 and over - FREE |
| Large/Tall Box (Tall bare roots 1.2m +) | £18 delivery charge (orders up to £120 incl VAT) | Orders of £120 and over - FREE |
| Pallet (Root balls, large pots, trees etc) | £60 delivery charge (orders up to £240 incl VAT) | Orders of £240 and over - FREE |
There are some exceptions to the standard delivery pricing structure, which relate to deliveries to more remote areas, overseas, or extremely tall plants requiring specialist delivery - for more information see the
Delivery Information Page It's Quick! - most orders are despatched within 3-5 working days!! (Some trees can be 7-10 days see product pages for info.)
Next Day Delivery is Available - We can offer next day delivery on eligible species and sizes for an additional £12 incl VAT. Call
01257 263 873 to find out if your order is eligible.
It's Convenient - no need to wait in all day to sign, we don't need a signature (the odd, larger order may require a signature but will be delivered at a mutually agreeable time)
It's Tried & Tested - we use only couriers who have shown consistency in their efficiency & care
* Please note that delivery costs are based on the final order amount in your cart
after any discounts have been applied.
Hedges Direct 12 Month Plant Guarantee
Our plants are guaranteed for 12 months after delivery subject to specific criteria. Visit our
Hedges Direct Plant Guarantee Page for full details.
-Leaves-Close-Up.jpg "Holly - English")
-Full-Hedge.jpg "English Holly (Ilex Aquifolium) Full Hedge")
-Lighter-Leaves.jpg "English Holly (Ilex Aquifolium) Lighter Leaves")
-Berries.jpg "English Holly (Ilex Aquifolium) Berries")
-Hedge-Close-Up.jpg "English Holly (Ilex Aquifolium) Hedge Close Up")
-Full-Hedge-Lyme-Hall.jpg "English Holly (Ilex Aquifolium) Full Hedge Lyme Hall")
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