Ilex aquifolium common holly
size/type
taller shrub,taller shrub
usual height
2-4m
usual width
1-3m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
insignificant or non-blooming
location
full to partial sun
soil type
acidic (peaty)
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
5b (down to -27°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Description of the plant:
The species of common holly is one of the tallest evergreen plants available in zone 6. It has 5-7 cm long, dark green, alternate leaves, very glossy, and with sharp thorns along the edges. Tiny flowers appear at the end of spring and are followed by vivid red berries in the autumn, so typical for hollies. This highly decorative plant is very popular as a half-standard or a shaped shrub. You can easily prune it to keep it compact. Yearly growths can be vigorous so you can soon model a desired shape. Pruning in April will encourage new growths, trimming by end July is ideal for shaping. Unlike e.g. Alaska variety, this holly if grown in zone 5 has to be protected from freezing winds and winter sunlight so we suggest planting it in shade or semi-shade in colder climate.
Hollies will adapt to most soils, however, but for best results grow them in moist but well-drained, deep, light, preferably acidic, and humus-rich soil. They can take periods of drought once established. Reliably hardy to -24°C (USDA zone6) and withstands occasional swings even a little lower.
Last update 15-02-2009
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GLOSSARY
- STANDARD QUALITY - Plants of this group are 1st class quality with number of branches and overall density adequate to their size and age, considering they were container grown.
- DE LUXE QUALITY - This label guarantees a luxurious quality of manually selected plants that, compared to their height and age, are exceptionally dense and beautiful.
- EXTRA - These plants are usually mature and bigger specimens with exceptional overall appearance.
- STANDARD (as described in the plant form) means a tree with a trunk of 190-210 cm and a crown at the top, unless specified differently. The commercial size for trees is their girth measured in the height of 1m from ground.
- HOBBY - These plants are of the same quality as our standard-quality plants but younger and therefore cheaper.
- SHRUB - a woody plant with branches growing bushy from the ground level.
- HALF-STANDARD or MINI-STANDARD - a small tree with shorter trunk, its size is usually specified.
- FEATHERED - These are trees with branches growing already from the base of the trunk and up along the stem.
- GRASSES and PERENNIALS - Sizes given usually read the diameter of the pot or the clump, as specified.
