Holly
Ilex aquifolium
Also known as
Celynnen, Common Holly, English Holly, Holm, Hulst, Hulver, Christmas holly, Hulver bush
Full Sun
Moderate care
Light watering
Frost Hardy
H6
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
20m | Max | 8m |
12m | Min | 4m |
25 years to reach maturity
Fruiting
spring
summer
autumn
winter


More images of Holly
Holly Overview
Ilex aquifolium is a beautiful, slow-growing, medium-sized tree or shrub species in the Aquifoliaceae family. This plant is dioecious and thus produces male and female flowers on individual plants, which are similar in appearance. Female flowers have a visible green ovary in the centre of their blooms (which appears as a small bump), and male flowers have 4 yellow stamens. The leaves are dark green, stiff and glossy with sharp spiked edges. In the spring, delicate white flowers are followed by bright red, glossy berries on pollinated female plants, these are a very popular food source for birds!
Common problems with Holly
How to propagate Holly
Seed
You can propagate by seeds in the spring.
Cuttings
Semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to early winter.
Special features of Holly
Attracts bees
Attracts birds
Attractive flowers
Hedge plant
Other uses of Holly
Hedging. Winter interest. Suitable for coastal conditions.
Native British Trees
Learn about the trees native to the UK and the critical role trees play in securing the future of our planet.
Explore allPollinator Friendly Plants for Summer
Native summer flowering plants that provide the best habitat, shelter and food for pollinators.
Explore all