Ilex aquifolium common holly - STANDARD TREE

The species of common holly is one of the tallest and hardy 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 if there is a male plant nearby, they are pollinated and followed by vivid red berries in the autumn, so typical for hollies.

Being so popular and maintenance-free it is available also in standard tree forms of a various stem height. Such plants do require some initial care as to shaping the crowns when they are young, but later you can let it grow unless you want to keep its originally modeled shape. Pruning in April will encourage new growths, trimming by end July is ideal for shaping.

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 -26°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 19-01-2013