Product description
If you are looking for an eye-catching focal point in a garden, Holly always makes a great choice. It is easy to maintain and can be grown into a tree or trimmed back as a smaller shrub.
The Ilex aquifolium J.C.van Tol offers spineless, glossy dark-green foliage on dark purple stems, an imposing colour scheme that will delight the eye. It is a female plant, but unlike other female Hollies, it is self-pollinating and will burst with bright red berries in autumn through winter. In May and June it offers lovely white flowers, adding to the all-year round interest.
Holly plants make great festive decorations to put on the table as a centre-piece when the family gather round to celebrate the Christmas spirit. Pick your Holly for celebrations in early winter when the branches are loaded with deep red contrasting berries and the birds have not yet got to them!
This English Holly is fully hardy and will thrive in full fun or partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil. The Holly needs minimal pruning. Remove any diseased or wrongly placed branches in spring and trim back holly hedges in late summer.
This is a delightful choice for a small garden and can be planted as a statement piece or can be used as a screen or hedging. The red berries attract birds into your garden, adding movement and sound in winter when other plants are bare and uninteresting. Mix and match with the magnificent Ilex aquifolium 'Argentea Marginata' to create a truly festive look.
Holly Tree
Ilex 'JC Van Tol'
Ilex 'JC Van Tol'
Product description
If you are looking for an eye-catching focal point in a garden, Holly always makes a great choice. It is easy to maintain and can be grown into a tree or trimmed back as a smaller shrub.
The Ilex aquifolium J.C.van Tol offers spineless, glossy dark-green foliage on dark purple stems, an imposing colour scheme that will delight the eye. It is a female plant, but unlike other female Hollies, it is self-pollinating and will burst with bright red berries in autumn through winter. In May and June it offers lovely white flowers, adding to the all-year round interest.
Holly plants make great festive decorations to put on the table as a centre-piece when the family gather round to celebrate the Christmas spirit. Pick your Holly for celebrations in early winter when the branches are loaded with deep red contrasting berries and the birds have not yet got to them!
This English Holly is fully hardy and will thrive in full fun or partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil. The Holly needs minimal pruning. Remove any diseased or wrongly placed branches in spring and trim back holly hedges in late summer.
This is a delightful choice for a small garden and can be planted as a statement piece or can be used as a screen or hedging. The red berries attract birds into your garden, adding movement and sound in winter when other plants are bare and uninteresting. Mix and match with the magnificent Ilex aquifolium 'Argentea Marginata' to create a truly festive look.
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.
