Ilex aquifolium 'NORTHERN LIGHTS' holly

Since we specialize in evergreen broadleaved plants we are always happy to see a beautiful novelty belonging to this group. Northern Lights is a beautiful holly from Dutch nursery town Boskoop, and was found as a naturally occurring mutation of AlaAlaska holly in 1998 by Peter Spek.

Northern Lights holly bears deep green, glossy leaves that have vivid yellow centres and sharp spines along their undulated margins. It has upright growth forming a densely branched, pyramidal shaped shrub. Being a sport of Alaska this variety is a female plant that produces vivid red berries in autumn if a pollinator is nearby.

Variegated hollies are versatile in use. They can stand alone as attractive medium-sized specimen shrubs, or they can be a part of a large mixed border or landscape combined with other evergreen plans such as conifers, rhododendrons or cherry laurels. Once established it grows medium fast or fast and can easily be pruned so you can soon model a desired shape. Pruning in April will encourage new growths, trimming by end July is ideal for shaping.

Grow hollies in moist but well-drained, light and fertile soil. They can take periods of drought once established. Hollies do best in full sun but can also grow in shade. This variety proved very hardy even in full sun in winter. However, if you live in a region with cold winters and long-lasting frost we recommend growing it in position sheltered from drying winds, and preferably shaded from winter sun. Before and during winter when the soil is not frozen or water-logged provide careful watering. Hardy to min. -24°C (USDA zone 6), and is expected to take even stronger frost.

Last update 31-01-2011; 01-12-2011