holly ilex aquifolium

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

Holly Ilex aquifolium is the quintessential evergreen shrub famous for its glossy green leaves and striking red berries. In New Zealand gardens, Ilex aquifolium is valued for its year-round structure, wildlife-friendly fruit, and classic decorative appeal. Whether you're seeking a robust hedge, a specimen plant, or some festive flair for winter gardens, Ilex aquifolium delivers a versatile solution. With its rich botanical history and distinctive serrated foliage, this holly stands out as both a beautiful and practical addition to landscapes large and small.

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. Its refined foliage and naturally tidy shape make it ideal for hedging, screening, topiary, feature planting, and formal garden designs. Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia' thrives in a range of conditions and offers reliable evergreen appeal throughout the year.

Buy Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia

From $141.61

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. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to most well-drained soils. This hardy and attractive plant suits a wide range of New Zealand gardens.

Buy Ilex Largo

From $26.93

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 Osmanthus and Quercus, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs and Evergreen Trees.

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Key Features of Holly Ilex Aquifolium

Renowned for its adaptability, holly Ilex aquifolium tolerates a wide range of soils and excels in both sun and shade. The plant’s leathery leaves deter browsing pests, while dense branching forms a natural barrier ideal for privacy screens or windbreaks. In winter, female forms produce vibrant red berries, attracting native birds and adding seasonal colour. While slow-growing at first, the holly matures gracefully—requiring little maintenance and rewarding gardeners with lush structure and resilient form.

Popular Uses in New Zealand Gardens

Formal Hedges: Holly Ilex aquifolium establishes thick, evergreen hedges that stay vibrant even through the colder months. The spiky leaves also make it an effective boundary plant.
Wildlife Gardens: With its berries and dense habit, holly is a favourite in wildlife-friendly gardens, supporting birds and pollinators.
Winter Interest: Few shrubs offer as much winter colour. The contrast of emerald foliage and scarlet berries keeps gardens lively during New Zealand's dullest days.

If you're interested in exploring different holly cultivars, the classic Ilex aquifolium offers all the attributes gardeners love: evergreen leaves and reliable berries. For smaller spaces or unique leaf shapes, Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia features narrower, elegant foliage. Cultivars like Ilex aquifolium JC Van Tol are prized for their self-fertile flowers and abundant fruiting, even without a male pollinator nearby. Decorative options such as Ilex Silver Queen bring silvery margins to the classic holly look, while Ilex aquifolium Madame Briot offers striking variegated foliage.

Planting and Care Tips

Site holly Ilex aquifolium in well-drained soil with moderate moisture. It thrives in full sun but will tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter regions. When planting a hedge, space young plants around 60cm apart. Prune lightly in late winter or spring to maintain shape and encourage thick growth. Mulch under the canopy to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds, and feed with a balanced fertiliser in early spring for best performance.

Choosing Your Holly Ilex Aquifolium

Whether you favour the classic type or something more unusual, our range includes top-performing holly cultivars. Browse pages for Ilex aquifolium, Ilex aquifolium JC Van Tol, Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia, Ilex Silver Queen, or Ilex aquifolium Madame Briot to find the perfect match for your New Zealand garden. Transform your outdoor space with the timeless charm and practical benefits of holly Ilex aquifolium.

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.