This shrub to small tree has a single trunk with greyish bark and upright spreading branches that form a broad rounded crown. It has armed waxy dark green elliptical leaves and the male and female white flowers appear on different plants during spring.

Hardiness zones 6 to 10

Ilex aquifolium is naturally found from Europe to England growing in well drained fertile moist light soil that is tending acidic in an open sunny position and is frost tolerant but drought tender.

English Holly is grown for its dense bushy habit, foliage and colourful fruit. It is grown as a specimen in parks or gardens or planted along borders for screening. It is suitable for low-mountain and coastal regions and establishes in 3-5 years and is long lived. It is also trimmed to form a hedge and may be used as a topiary subject. The timber is used for cabinetwork and the female plant is normally preferred as it produces the colourful berries. ID 388

Ilex (EYE-leks) aquifolium(a-kwee-FOH-lee-um)

Aquifoliaceae(a-kwee-foh-lee-AY-see-ee)