Holly ‘Ilex aquifolium’ – 9cm Pot – Sold in packs of 10, 50 or 100.

From £47.00

**Please note this item cannot be added to our Bespoke Bareroot bundle, as these are 9cm potted varieties and not bare root**

The classic shrub well associated with the festive season, loved by many for its beautiful appearance of prickly leaves and red berries.  Providing much shelter for birds whilst also giving hedgehogs a great resource for hibernation.  The flowers provide nectar for bees and the leaves are enjoyed by a variety of caterpillars of the holly blue butterfly and many moths.

Once fully grown, they can get to over 15m tall and live for up to 300 years.

All specimens will be around 20-30cm tall, arriving in 9cm pots.
60cm spiral guards and 90cm bamboo canes are recommended for each plant to protect from rabbit damage.

Can be planted as individual trees or used to create wildlife friendly hedging.

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Description

Holly is a rugged pioneer species that prefers relatively moist areas, and tolerates frost as well as summer drought.  After the first frost of the season, holly fruits become soft and fall to the ground serving as important food for winter birds at a time of scarce resources.  The flowers are attractive as nectar sources for insects such as bees, wasps, flies, and small butterflies.

If using as a hedge: All species in a wildlife hedge can be cut back or “Coppiced” without harm. In the 1st year after establishment the hedge can be cut back to stimulate growth of the hedge from the base thereafter cut every 2-3 years. If the weather is unsuitable for planting or receiving the hedging, dig a hole and bury the roots of the bunched plants, they can be held like that till planting. After planting it is advantageous to mulch the hedge with lawn mowing or leaf mould to suppress weeds and also be done with plastic or carpet cuts and covered with soil.

Additional information

Sun Preference

Fine in sunshine.

Soil Preference

Commonly found all over England in hedgerows, scrub and woodland environments.

Eventual Height

15m