English Holly — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Ilex aquifolium |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 545–1095 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 10–21.1 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 1825–5475 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 152.4–304.8 |
| Mature height (cm) | 243.8–1219.2 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 243.8–609.6 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 6–9 |
| Light | Partial sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
Plant in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil in partial shade to filtered sun; English holly is the classic broadleaf evergreen of Christmas wreaths and greenery, native to western and southern Europe, bearing stiff, glossy, spine-edged dark green leaves and, on pollinated female plants, abundant bright red berries that persist through winter and feed thrushes, waxwings, and other birds when little else is available. It is dioecious, so a male cultivar such as 'Blue Prince' or 'J.C. van Tol' (a self-fertile selection) must be planted within pollinator range of a female such as 'Blue Princess' or 'Argentea Marginata' for reliable fruit set. As a large, pyramidal shrub or small tree it makes an outstanding dense screen, windbreak, or specimen for shaded woodland-edge gardens, and it withstands shearing well if a more formal hedge is wanted. In the Pacific Northwest, English holly has escaped cultivation and is classified as an invasive species in forest understories, so gardeners in that region should choose non-invasive native or sterile cultivars instead, or deadhead berries before birds can disperse the seed.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0