Pot Grown English Holly
(Ilex aquifolium)

We've dedicated time and care into growing your pot grown plant, so it arrives looking stunningly new and healthy.

Ilex aquifolium can look brilliant all year round with its welcomed shades of colour, its winter coverage during the much colder months, and even some small white flowers that appear in the Spring. Due to its evergreen attribute, native birds also see it as a shelter during the winter- and the red berries are perfect for them to feed on- meaning you can even encourage some wildlife interest to your garden with the English Holly.

The dense and prickly leaves on English Holly are ideal where a privacy screen, security barrier, or windbreaker is needed, and its even effectively pollution-resistant.̴Ì?

English Holly is a much slower-growing hedge, with a growth rate around 10-15cm per year. It is best if you plant your Holly in full or partial shade and in moist soil. It is also suitable for both exposed and seaside sites/gardens.

• Growth height: Slow (10-20cm per year)
• Ideal height: 2.5m+ Tall
• Soil Type: Normal
• Exposure: Coastal, Exposed, Inland
• Aspect: Full shade, Sun
• Evergreen foliage? Yes

As it is pot grown, you can easily leave the plant in its pot for a few days/weeks before planting it. Just ensure you keep the plant well-watered, and it gets enough sun. Don't leave it for too long, however, as you don't want the roots becoming root bound.

Your Ilex aquifolium is likely to need very little pruning (or none)- except from needing to remove any dead, damaged or diseased shoots (or any cross shoots causing possible congestion). The best time to do your pruning is during the late winter or early spring, when the plant is dormant.

Though you only need a little bit of annual pruning, your English Holly can tolerate extreme pruning if it does get too large or overgrown- but make sure to do so during the dormant period (winter months).

1. Prepare the soil by mixing in some compost. Dig the hole- this will have to be about twice the width of the root system, but the same depth.
2. Remove the plant from its pot by placing one hand on the base of the plant, and the other at the bottom of the pot. Wriggle the pot away gently.
3. Untangle the roots a little as they may be clumped together.
4. Place the plant into the hole, ensuring the base of the stem is level with the surface of the soil. Follow this with backfilling the hole with your soil mix, and patting down lightly to secure.
5. When you're done, thoroughly water the plant. Ensure you regularly water throughout its first year, as the plant needs plenty to be able to settle down, recover, and establish.