Common holly (Ilex aquifolium)

Also known as: Holly Tree, European holly, Christmas holly, Hulst

The English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is an evergreen shrub or tree known for its distinctive leaf shape and vibrant red berries. This species thrives in the understories of oak and beech forests. Due to its dense crown and spiky leaves, English Holly is extensively utilized in temperate regions for creating hedges in landscaping.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Common holly

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub, Tree

Plant Height

9 m

Spread

5 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow White Variegated

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White Green

Images of Common holly

Quickly Identify Common holly

Prominent pyramidal shape with dense branch structure, reaching 30-50 feet (9-15 meters) in height.

Leaves are alternate, elliptic, dark green, glossy, spiny-toothed, and 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long.

Clusters of small, fragrant, white flowers with petals in a simple radial arrangement blooming May-June.

Small, spherical drupes in red, yellow, or orange with four seeds, persisting from late summer to winter.

Bark transitions from smooth greenish-gray to black, remaining unridged without peeling or flaking.

Scientific Classification of Common holly

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Hollies and allies

Family

Holly

Genus

Ilex

Species

Common holly

Planting and Growing of Common holly

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Common holly?

For Ilex aquifolium, water until the soil is uniformly moist but not soggy, approximately 500ml per watering. Ensure consistent moisture throughout the root zone, avoiding waterlogged conditions to promote healthy growth and prevent root rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Common holly? ›

What should I do if my Common holly is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Common holly? ›

How to save an overwatered Common holly? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Common holly?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 3 to 6 hours

Ilex aquifolium prefers partial sun with an ideal light range of 3 to 6 hours of sunlight. Ideal lighting promotes strong growth, healthy foliage, and vibrant berry production.

What is the best lighting for Ilex aquifolium? ›

How do I ensure my Ilex aquifolium gets enough light? ›

What benefits will my Ilex aquifolium experience with ideal lighting? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Common holly?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Ilex aquifolium, commonly known as English Holly, is between 60°F and 75°F. This range ensures optimal growth and vibrant foliage as the environmental conditions within these limits closely mimic the plant's native conditions. It is best to maintain consistently warm temperatures to promote vigorous growth, without exposing the plant to excessive heat or chilling conditions.

What Soil is Best for Common holly?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Ilex aquifolium thrives in well-drained soil, which prevents root rot and promotes healthy growth. This type of soil allows excess water to drain away quickly, reducing the risk of fungal infections. The plant prefers soil that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. This balance ensures the plant receives the moisture it needs while preventing diseases that thrive in soggy conditions. Rich, loamy soil provides essential nutrients that foster robust growth and vibrant foliage. Organic matter in the soil is beneficial, improving fertility and promoting a healthy root system.

How to Fertilize Common holly?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For English holly (Ilex aquifolium), apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at a rate of approximately 1 pound per 100 square feet. Ensure the soil is moist before application to prevent root burn.

How to Prune Common holly?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Begin by examining your Ilex aquifolium for any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Using clean pruning shears, trim these back to their base to prevent the spread of disease. Next, shape the plant by cutting back any overgrown or wayward branches to maintain its form. Always make cuts just above a leaf node to encourage new growth. For a more formal appearance, meticulously trim your Ilex aquifolium into a specific shape using topiary shears. This involves making multiple small cuts to gradually guide the plant into the desired form. Remember to step back and assess your progress regularly to ensure a symmetrical and balanced appearance.

How to Propagate Common holly plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Early spring,Autumn

Choose a healthy, disease-free Ilex aquifolium plant as the source for your cuttings or seeds. Vigorous parent plants ensure high-quality propagation material and increase the chance of success.

Use pruning shears to take cuttings approximately 10-15 cm long, ensuring each has a few leaves and a node. Remove leaves from the lower half to reduce moisture loss and improve root emergence.

Place the cuttings in a pot with a well-draining soil mix and use rooting hormone to encourage growth. If propagating by seed, sow them directly in prepared soil, ideally in spring.

How to Repot Common holly plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

For Ilex aquifolium, the best time to repot is when you see the roots circling the pot's perimeter or coming out of the drainage holes. These signs usually indicate that the plant has outgrown its current container, and repotting should be done to provide more space for root development.

Select a pot that is about 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Ensure it has proper drainage holes, as good drainage prevents waterlogging, reducing the risk of root rot and helping to keep your plant healthy.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix with a blend of peat, pine bark, and vermiculite or perlite. This blend provides the right balance of moisture retention and aeration, which is essential for the health and growth of your Ilex aquifolium.

Toxicity of Common holly

Is Common holly toxic to humans?

Both the leaves and berries of the common holly plant contain saponin chemicals, which render them toxic to humans when consumed. The level of toxicity is relatively mild, with symptoms of poisoning potentially including vomiting, diarrhea, and feelings of depression. Incidents of poisoning usually occur in children who can easily access this plant and might unintentionally ingest its parts. Additionally, the common holly is frequently utilized as an ornamental hedge in landscaping.

Is Common holly toxic to cat?

While not fatal, every part of the common holly (Ilex aquifolium) contains moderate toxicity, which means cats should be kept at a distance! If any portion of the plant is consumed, the chemicals may act similarly to a stimulant and could potentially result in liver damage, so consult your veterinarian as a precaution. The symptoms can vary, ranging from slight discomfort to moderate pain, depending on how much has been ingested.

Is Common holly toxic to dog?

The common holly is regarded as mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. Both its leaves and berries contain harmful compounds that can lead to symptoms including excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or pawing at the mouth post-ingestion. Fortunately, due to the spiky nature of the leaves and the fact that the berries are typically encased by these leaves, dogs seldom consume them in significant amounts. Generally, common holly poisoning does not necessitate a visit to the veterinarian, as dogs can typically eliminate the plant's toxins from their bodies independently.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.