Holly (Female)

Glossy leaves with grey-green mottled centres and bright, golden-yellow margins. Despite its confusing name this compact, evergreen shrub is a 'female' variety of holly producing reddish-brown autumn berries that ripen to red. One of the best golden variegated hollies, it's a great specimen plant for a sunny shrub or mixed border.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moist, well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich soilRate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: May and June Flower colour: whiteOther features: the berries may cause a mild stomach upset if ingested; to guarantee berries it's necessary to plant a male holly nearby; stems of holly are ideal for floral arrangementsHardiness: fully hardyTo find out more about how to plant a hedge, click hereGarden 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
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