English Holly Hedge (Ilex aquifolium)

Holly Hedge Plant Description

English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is a popular hedging plant known for its year-round appeal, providing vibrant colour and winter coverage during the colder months. Its dense growth and prickly foliage make Holly hedges effective as both an intruder deterrent and a pollution-resistant windbreak. Additionally, Ilex aquifolium offers shelter for native birds throughout the winter, which feed on its distinctive orange or red berries. It is important to note that Holly berries are toxic to both pets and people.

When well-maintained, Holly serves as an attractive decorative hedge and can also enhance a mixed native evergreen hedge, adding valuable winter colour to the garden. Ilex aquifolium is particularly effective when planted alongside other prickly hedge plants, contributing to a robust, intruder-resistant barrier.

Holly plants are slow-growing, averaging around 10-15 cm per annum, and should be trimmed in late winter or early spring while the hedge is dormant. Holly prefers full or partial shade and moist soil and is suitable for exposed sites and seaside gardens.

For those wishing to use Holly branches as Christmas decorations, it is advisable to cut a few stems in early to mid-December and keep them in a bucket of water in a cool location. This approach helps to prevent birds from consuming the berries before you can use them. Additionally, providing alternative food for the birds is recommended.

Pruning Advice

English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) generally requires minimal pruning, limited to the removal of dead, diseased, or damaged shoots, as well as any cross shoots that may cause congestion. The optimal time for pruning English Holly hedging is during its dormant period in late winter or early spring. For those aiming for prolific berry production, it is advisable to delay pruning until after flowering has occurred, focusing on trimming only non-flowering shoots.

While annual maintenance pruning is usually light, English Holly can withstand substantial cutting back if it becomes overgrown or excessively large. However, such hard pruning should be performed exclusively during the winter months, while the plant is dormant.

Applying mulch and fertiliser after pruning will benefit the plant, aiding in its recovery and overall health.

Further Information

Our recommended planting densities for each size and root type are listed in the product grid. These should be used as a guide when considering the time you are willing to wait for your hedge to achieve its full appearance. As a general indication, bare root plants can be spaced at 3 to 7 per metre, while cell-grown plants can be spaced between 4 and 6 per metre. For higher densities, consider planting in a double staggered row or a zig-zag pattern.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.