Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Back, middle

Soil

Prefers rich soil:
Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Ilex aquifolium

Common holly, Ilex aquifolium, is a useful evergreen shrub that can be grown as a specimen tree, clipped bushes or as a hedge. There are dozens of varieties, many with variegated leaves. Plants are either male or female, and only the female plants bear berries. Both sexes are required for the female plants to produce berries, which appear from late autumn to mid-winter.

Ilex aquifolium ‘Silver Milkmaid’ is an attractive variegated holly, bearing spiny, dark green leaves with a creamy white variegation. Red berries may be produced in autumn.

For best results grow Ilex aquifolium ‘Silver Milkmaid’ in moist but well-drained soil, in sun or shade.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyes
Plantyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Fruitsyesyesyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyes
Pruneyes
Collect seedsyesyes

Ilex ‘Silver milkmaid’ and wildlife

Ilex ‘Silver milkmaid’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, has seeds for birds and makes a good wildlife hedge.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Ilex ‘Silver milkmaid’ poisonous?

Ilex ‘Silver milkmaid’ irritates skin. Its foliage, fruit and sap are toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract Horses
Horses
Is known to attract People
People
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
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