Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Found over a century ago growing in a garden, Ilex 'Golden King' is just one of several popular varieties of a garden hybrid, Ilex x altaclerensis, bred partly from the common English holly, Ilex aquifolium. It's very hardy and tolerates most soils, as well as seaside air and atmospheric pollution, and fruits well in sun or shade. Its handsome variegated leaves are flat and shapely, free from spines and ornamented with a prominent irregular golden yellow edge. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Grow Ilex 'Golden King' in moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Grow near a male plant for good crops of berries.
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Ilex ‘Golden king’ and wildlife
Ilex ‘Golden king’ 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 ‘Golden king’ poisonous?
Ilex ‘Golden king’ irritates skin. Its fruit is toxic.