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holly ilex aquifolium

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-male-

Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia

5 from 1 customers

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.

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' plant with lush, dark green foliage.

Ilex Largo

5 from 2 customers

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.

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
Ilex 'Sky Pencil' shrubs with elegant, green foliage growing against a wall.
Ilex Sky Pencil

Ilex ‘Sky Pencil’ is a striking, upright holly prized for its narrow, columnar shape that adds vertical interest to gardens. This evergreen shrub...

From$27.53
A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.
Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly)

Ilex crenata 'Convexa' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its small glossy dark green leaves and naturally dense growth habit. Often used as an...

From$27.53
osmanthus-heterophyllus-variegatus-
Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Variegatus'

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Variegatus' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its glossy holly like foliage edged with creamy white variegation...

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A large and showy Quercus ilex specimen tree in a field.
Quercus ilex

Quercus ilex, commonly known as the Holm Oak or Evergreen Oak, is an evergreen tree with lush foliage. The dark green leaves are glossy and...

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Ilex crenata 'Helleri' shrubs in a border garden.
Ilex crenata Helleri

Ilex crenata ‘Helleri’ is a compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub with small, glossy green leaves and a dense, mounding habit. Resembling boxwood in...

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Osmanthus heterophyllus

Osmanthus heterophyllus, commonly known as False Holly, is an evergreen shrub grown for its attractive foliage and pretty flowers. It produces spiny...

From$33.05
ilex-aquifolium-7
Ilex aquifolium

The female form of Ilex aquifolium features spiny, dark green leaves that become adorned with small, white flowers in spring. These result in red...

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Ilex 'JC Van Tol' foliage and berries.
Ilex aquifolium JC Van Tol

Ilex aquifolium 'JC Van Tol' is a handsome evergreen holly prized for its glossy dark green foliage, bright red berries, and naturally dense growth...

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Ilex 'Madame Briot' variegated cream and green foliage.
Ilex aquifolium Madame Briot

Ilex aquifolium 'Madame Briot' is an evergreen shrub that carries spiny, glossy green leaves with a yellow margin. Small, white, mildly fragrant...

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Ilex 'Golden King' foliage and red berries.
Ilex Golden King

Ilex Golden King is a variety of English Holly that is a densely foliaged, evergreen shrub that carries spiny, glossy green leaves with a...

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Ilex 'Green Pillar' plants.
Ilex Green Pillar

Ilex 'Green Pillar' is a variety of English Holly that grows with an upright, columnar habit. The small, dark green leaves are held densely off...

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Ilex 'Little Caesar' hegde with green foliage.
Ilex Little Caesar

Ilex Little Caesar is a variety of Holly that carries small and glossy, green leaves held densely on rigid stems. New leaves are a rich yellow-green...

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Ilex 'Silver Queen' foliage.
Ilex Silver Queen

Ilex 'Silver Queen' is a striking evergreen holly admired for its glossy dark green leaves edged with creamy silver margins. This elegant shrub or...

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ilex-blue-prince-2
Ilex Blue Prince

Ilex Blue Prince is a variety of Meserve Holly that grows as a dense, evergreen shrub and features impressive, dark blue-green leaves with short...

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An Ilex 'Blue Angel' shrub with glossy, dark green foliage and red berries.
Ilex 'Blue Angel'

Ilex ‘Blue Angel’ is a compact, evergreen holly known for its striking blue-green foliage and dense, upright growth habit. This hardy shrub produces...

OUT OF STOCK
Ilex crenata 'Mariesii' foliage.
Ilex crenata Mariesii

Ilex crenata Mariesii is a variety of Holly that carries small and glossy, green leaves held densely and tightly on rigid stems. Small, white...

OUT OF STOCK
ilex-hendersonii-1
Ilex Hendersonii

Ilex 'Hendersonii' is an attractive evergreen holly valued for its glossy dark green foliage, dense growth habit, and colourful berries that provide...

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ilex-handsworth-new-silver-1
Ilex 'Handsworth New Silver'

Ilex 'Handsworth New Silver' is an elegant evergreen holly valued for its glossy green leaves edged with silver. This striking foliage provides year...

OUT OF STOCK
An Ilex crenata 'Fastigata' small specimen tree.
Ilex crenata Fastigiata

Ilex crenata 'Fastigiata', commonly known as the Japanese Holly, is an upright, evergreen shrub that grows with a columnar habit, carrying small...

OUT OF STOCK
Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) plants grown as a topiary.
Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly)

Ilex crenata, commonly known as Japanese Holly, is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its small, glossy green leaves that resemble boxwood. Ideal...

OUT OF STOCK
An Ilex cornuta shrub with spiny, green leaves and red berries.
Ilex cornuta

Ilex cornuta, commonly known as the Chinese Holly, is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub that carries glossy, green foliage with prominent, short...

OUT OF STOCK
Olearia macrodonta minor shrub.
Olearia macrodonta Minor (Tree Daisy)

Olearia macrodonta minor is a compact form of the well known Mountain Daisy Tree, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens and landscapes in...

OUT OF STOCK
Dahlia Holly Huston red flowers.
Dahlia Holly Huston (Holly Huston Dahlia)

Dahlia Holly Huston produces impressive, dark red flowers through summer and autumn. These are held above the lush and dense, dark green foliage as...

OUT OF STOCK
osmanthus-heterophyllus-purpureus-2
Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Purpureus'

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Purpureus' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its glossy holly like foliage that emerges deep purple before maturing...

OUT OF STOCK
Olearia ilicifolia serrated foliage on a shrub with white flowers.
Olearia ilicifolia

Olearia ilicifolia, commonly known as Mountain Holly, is a hardy NZ native shrub or small tree valued for its distinctive holly like foliage and...

OUT OF STOCK
mahonia-bealei-2
Mahonia bealei

Mahonia bealei (Leatherleaf Mahonia) is a bold evergreen shrub known for its large, leathery, holly like leaves and fragrant yellow flower spikes...

OUT OF STOCK
Olearia macrodonta shrub with green foliage and white flowers.
Olearia macrodonta

Olearia macrodonta, commonly known as the NZ Holly, is a NZ native shrub that grows up to 6 m tall. It features lush leaves that are dark green with...

OUT OF STOCK
polystichum-braunii-4
Polystichum braunii (Brauns Holly Fern)

Polystichum braunii is a graceful evergreen fern admired for its finely divided dark green fronds and elegant arching growth habit. This attractive...

OUT OF STOCK
Osmanthus fortunei dark green foliage.
Osmanthus fortunei

Osmanthus x fortunei is an evergreen shrub that produces dark green leaves that have a distinct, Holly-like appearance with their serrations. The...

OUT OF STOCK
helleborus-argutifolius-2
Helleborus argutifolius (Corsican Hellebore)

Helleborus argutifolius (Corsican Hellebore) is a striking evergreen perennial valued for its bold serrated foliage and clusters of lime green...

OUT OF STOCK
Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search holly ilex aquifolium

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

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.

–The Plant Company

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