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Ilex aquifolium

Ilex aquifolium

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HollyShrub, EvergreenFamily: Aquifoliaceae

Height: 20mSpread: 8m
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

White

Foliage colour:

Green

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).

Explore other varieties of Ilex aquifolium to grow:

Ilex aquifolium 'Argentea Marginata'
Ilex aquifolium 'Rubricaulis Aurea'

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Ilex ‘Aquifolium’ and wildlife

Ilex ‘Aquifolium’ 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 ‘Aquifolium’ poisonous?

Ilex ‘Aquifolium’ causes an upset stomach, irritates skin and is harmful if ingested. 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