english holly tree

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

The English holly tree (Ilex aquifolium) is a classic evergreen, instantly recognisable by its deep green, glossy leaves with distinctive spiny edges and vibrant red berries. Sought after for centuries in gardens and landscapes across New Zealand and the world, the English holly tree adds structure, texture, and seasonal colour to any outdoor space. Its reputation as the traditional Christmas holly makes it a popular choice for creating festive displays, living hedges, and wild bird habitats. Whether you’re planning a formal garden, a wildlife-friendly planting, or searching for evergreen structure, the English holly tree adapts beautifully to a variety of uses and design schemes.

Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia'

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Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia' is an elegant evergreen holly admired for its narrow dark green leaves and dense upright growth habit. This hardy shrub or small tree provides year round structure and texture in New Zealand gardens while also producing attractive red berries on female plants when pollinated.

Buy Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia'

From $136.04

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 2.00 m

Spread: 1.50 m

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Pool areas

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Ilex 'Largo'

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Ilex ‘Largo’ is a bold, evergreen holly variety known for its dense, glossy green foliage and broad, upright growth habit. It forms a tidy shrub that’s ideal for hedging, screening, or adding structure to gardens. ‘Largo’ is low maintenance and responds well to trimming, making it easy to shape.

Buy Ilex 'Largo'

From $136.04

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 2.50 m

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Ilex, and Quercus, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

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Why Grow the English Holly Tree in New Zealand?

The English holly tree stands out for its year-round appeal and resilience. Able to thrive in a wide range of soils and conditions, it tolerates frost, coastal winds, and pruning—making it an ideal selection for New Zealand gardens. The tree’s dense foliage serves as an excellent privacy screen, windbreak, or hedge. In winter, the bright red holly berries add a burst of colour, attracting native birds such as tui and waxeyes. Because both male and female trees are required for berry production, consider combining the standard Ilex aquifolium with other cultivars to maximise fruiting.

Varieties of English Holly Tree

Selecting the right variety can help you tailor the English holly tree to your garden’s style and requirements. The narrow-leaved Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia offers a more refined silhouette, perfect for elegant hedging. If you’re after a holly with striking variegated foliage, Ilex aquifolium Madame Briot features golden-margined leaves, while Ilex Handsworth New Silver delivers silvery edges and a vivid display. For gardens favouring less-prickly leaves and reliable berry production, Ilex aquifolium JC Van Tol is a top choice.

Planting and Care Tips

Plant your English holly tree in a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system, then reduce frequency as the shrub establishes. Hollies are slow-growing but respond well to pruning, which can be done in late winter or early spring to maintain desired height and shape. An annual mulch of organic compost or leaf mould helps retain moisture and improve soil structure.

English holly trees are generally pest free; however, keeping the area clear of fallen berries or leaves helps prevent unwanted seedlings. With proper placement and minimal care, these evergreens will thrive for decades, rewards you with glossy foliage and winter interest.

Shop English Holly Tree Varieties

Browse our collection of classic and specialty English holly trees, including Ilex aquifolium, Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia, Ilex Handsworth New Silver, Ilex aquifolium Madame Briot, and Ilex aquifolium JC Van Tol. Enhance your garden with the enduring beauty, resilience, and festive character of the English holly tree.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.