• Eventual height: 6m
  • Eventual spread: 4m

Ilex aquifolium 'J.C. van Tol'

English holly (self-fertile female)

5 year guarantee RHS award of garden merit Perfect for pollinators
20% OFF early spring interest
20% OFF mature shrubs
3 litre pot £32.99 £26.39
PL00080959
£32.99 £26.39
PL30006326
£119.99 £95.99
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  • Standard £5.95
  • Position: Full sun or partial shade
  • Soil: Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
  • Rate of growth: Slow
  • Flowering period: May to June
  • Hardiness: Fully hardy


This hardy native holly is unusual in that its glossy, dark green leaves are almost spineless. It is also self-fertile, and so does not need to be near a male holly to produce fruit. Instead, the bright red berries appear on dark purple stems in autumn and persist through the winter months, providing a rich source of food for birds. This holly makes a handsome evergreen specimen tree for a small garden with fertile, moist, well-drained soil.

To find out more about how to plant a hedge, click here


  • Garden care:
    Plants grown as free-standing specimens require minimal pruning - remove diseased or misplaced branches in spring. Trim plants grown as formal hedges in late summer. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base of the plant.
    • Humans/Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten
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