European Holly
Ilex aquifolium
Also listed as Aquifolium croceum, Aquifolium ferox
Also known as English Holly, Holly, Common Holly
Climate Match for your location
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A dense evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, spiny dark green leaves and bright red berries that persist through winter. Female plants produce abundant berries when pollinated by nearby male plants.
Why grow it
European holly offers reliable winter interest through persistent red berries and glossy evergreen foliage, making it useful where extended visual structure is needed in cool climates. Compared to native holly species in many regions, Ilex aquifolium is valued for its dense habit and heavy fruiting, though site suitability varies considerably by latitude and local conditions. It performs best with consistent moisture and partial shade in warmer zones within its hardiness range.
Watch out for
This plant requires both male and female specimens in close proximity for reliable berry set, so a single plant may not fruit consistently. Leaf edges are quite sharp and can cause minor cuts during handling or pruning, warranting care when working around it or planting near foot traffic areas.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Aquifoliaceae
Native Range
Western and southern Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A dense evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, spiny dark green leaves and bright red berries that persist through winter. Female plants produce abundant berries when pollinated by nearby male plants.
Climate Match for your location
See how well European Holly grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
European holly offers reliable winter interest through persistent red berries and glossy evergreen foliage, making it useful where extended visual structure is needed in cool climates. Compared to native holly species in many regions, Ilex aquifolium is valued for its dense habit and heavy fruiting, though site suitability varies considerably by latitude and local conditions. It performs best with consistent moisture and partial shade in warmer zones within its hardiness range.
Watch out for
This plant requires both male and female specimens in close proximity for reliable berry set, so a single plant may not fruit consistently. Leaf edges are quite sharp and can cause minor cuts during handling or pruning, warranting care when working around it or planting near foot traffic areas.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Aquifoliaceae
Native Range
Western and southern Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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