Position

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

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Common holly, Ilex aquifolium, is a useful evergreen shrub that can be grown as a specimen tree, clipped bush or 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.

For best results grow Ilex aquifolium in moist but well-drained soil, in sun or shade. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyes
Plantyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Fruitsyesyesyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyes
Pruneyes
Collect seedsyesyes

Ilex and wildlife

Ilex 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 poisonous?

Ilex irritates skin. Its fruit is 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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