Product description
The Golden King Holly is a small evergreen tree that offers glossy green leaves with beautiful golden yellow margins. The colder the weather, the deeper the yellow colour becomes.
Despite the name ‘King’ which is decidedly male, this is a female plant. It produces lovely small white flowers in May to June. If it has a male companion close by to pollinate it, the tree will produce lovely round red-brown autumn berries that deepen to a bright red.
It is fully hardy and thrives in full sun or partial shade. The tree will grow to around 6m in height with a spread of about 5m. It prefers well-drained soil that is humus-rich and moderately fertile. It will tolerate urban pollution and open exposure in coastal settings.
This low maintenance plant is ideal for gardens of any size. The flowers attract insects, bees and butterflies and the berries offer winter food for birds, bringing life and movement into your living space. If you want to give your plant some love and care, in late spring you can remove any branches which are misplaced, diseased, crossed or dead. You can also trim off any foliage that has reverted - look for leaves that are all-yellow or all-green and carefully remove them.
Use the Golden King Holly to brighten up a dull corner in a garden. It also makes a lovely shrub with all-year round colour and interest. It is perfect for screening and hedging and looks great in a mixed border.
Holly Tree
Ilex 'Golden King'
Ilex 'Golden King'
Product description
The Golden King Holly is a small evergreen tree that offers glossy green leaves with beautiful golden yellow margins. The colder the weather, the deeper the yellow colour becomes.
Despite the name ‘King’ which is decidedly male, this is a female plant. It produces lovely small white flowers in May to June. If it has a male companion close by to pollinate it, the tree will produce lovely round red-brown autumn berries that deepen to a bright red.
It is fully hardy and thrives in full sun or partial shade. The tree will grow to around 6m in height with a spread of about 5m. It prefers well-drained soil that is humus-rich and moderately fertile. It will tolerate urban pollution and open exposure in coastal settings.
This low maintenance plant is ideal for gardens of any size. The flowers attract insects, bees and butterflies and the berries offer winter food for birds, bringing life and movement into your living space. If you want to give your plant some love and care, in late spring you can remove any branches which are misplaced, diseased, crossed or dead. You can also trim off any foliage that has reverted - look for leaves that are all-yellow or all-green and carefully remove them.
Use the Golden King Holly to brighten up a dull corner in a garden. It also makes a lovely shrub with all-year round colour and interest. It is perfect for screening and hedging and looks great in a mixed border.
Give your tree the best start
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Prune Ilex trees in late winter or early spring to shape and remove any damaged or dead branches. Regular trimming can encourage bushy growth, especially for hedging purposes. For varieties producing berries, ensure both male and female plants are nearby to promote pollination. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to support healthy foliage and vibrant berries throughout the growing season.
How to Water
Water Ilex trees deeply after planting, continuing regularly during their first year to establish a strong root system. Mature plants are drought-tolerant but will benefit from consistent watering during prolonged dry spells. Avoid overwatering as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot. Water in the morning or late afternoon to minimise evaporation and target the soil around the roots, ensuring even moisture. Using rainwater is beneficial for maintaining optimal soil pH.
How to Plant
To plant Ilex, choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball, allowing room for root spread. Soak the root ball thoroughly before planting, then position the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, firming gently around the base. Water deeply to settle the soil and reduce air pockets. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it away from the trunk. Ensure spacing of at least 100–150 cm between plants to accommodate their growth.
