Common holly (Ilex aquifolium)
Common holly (Ilex aquifolium) is a tree that can grow higher than 15m tall and 3m – 8m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Common holly (Ilex aquifolium).
This plant has several common names including: common holly, English holly, holly, holm, hulst or hulver.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 20-50 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: common holly, English holly, holly, holm, hulst, hulver
Scientific name: Ilex aquifolium
Plant type: Trees
Habit: Bushy
Height: Higher than 15m
Spread: 3m – 8m
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Well drained
Garden type: City & Courtyard Gardens, Coastal, Informal Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Hedging & Screens
Other characteristics: Plants for pollinators, RHS Award of Garden Merit
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Common holly (Ilex aquifolium) – Fernando de Gorocica, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Trees are essential plants in gardens, large and small, with their sculptural presence.
In terms of design, they add height, structure and interest all year round with attractive flowers, foliage, fruits and trunks.
In addition, they provide home and a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Other types of Ilex to consider:
See all Ilex
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Common holly (Ilex aquifolium), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Common holly (Ilex aquifolium) is a plant that adapts to all types of soils, chalk, clay, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Ilex aquifolium likes to grow in moist but well drained or well drained soils.
Sunlight
Common holly (Ilex aquifolium) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Common holly (Ilex aquifolium) – Jebulon, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
