English Holly (Self-fertile female)

Almost spineless, glossy, dark green leaves on dark purple stems and bright red berries from autumn to winter. This hardy English holly makes a handsome evergreen specimen tree for a small garden with fertile, moist, well-drained soil. The abundant fruits persist through the winter months, providing an excellent source of food for birds.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moist, well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich soilRate of growth: slow-growing Flowering period: May and June Flower colour: whiteOther features: the berries may cause a mild stomach upset if ingested; stems of holly are ideal for floral arrangementsHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Plants grown as free-standing specimens require minimal pruning - remove diseased or misplaced branches in spring. Trim plants grown as formal hedges in late summer. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base of the plantGoes well with:Griselina littoralis, Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Purpureum', Taxus baccata, Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety', Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price', Galanthus nivalis
More Information