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ilex angustifolia

If you’re searching for ilex angustifolia, you’re most likely looking for a slender-leaved holly that brings year-round structure and evergreen foliage to your New Zealand garden. Recognised for its graceful, narrow leaves and dense habit, ilex angustifolia (often referred to as Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia') is a versatile plant suitable for hedging, topiary, and ornamental planting. Its elegant look and adaptability make it a favourite for gardens that need a reliable, low-maintenance shrub with classic appeal.

ilex-aquifolium-angustifolia-male-

Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia

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This male form of Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia, commonly known as the Narrow Leaf English Holly, is grown for its narrow and spiny, glossy, dark green leaves. It grows with a dense, multi-stemmed, and spreading habit to about 2 m tall and 1.5 m wide. The relatively fine texture of Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia sets it apart from other landscape plants and makes it ideal for including in a mixed planting, using for hedging, screening, or maintaining in a container.

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 '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 features glossy green foliage and maintains its tidy form without pruning. It is ideal for containers, formal borders, or as a sculptural accent. ‘Sky Pencil’ grows slowly and is well-suited to smaller spaces or tight planting areas. Hardy and low-maintenance, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 80 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Patios, Pool areas, Screening, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
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Lavender angustifolia 'Hidcote'

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A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.

Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly)

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

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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 (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...

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A Laurus nobilis 'Angustifolia' small specimen tree in a garden.

Laurus nobilis angustifolia

Laurus nobilis angustifolia is a variety of Laurel grown for its compact growth habit and elegant foliage. This evergreen tree features lush, dark...

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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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Hoheria angustifolia green foliage with masses of white flowers.

Hoheria angustifolia

Hoheria angustifolia, commonly known as Houhere or Narrow leaved Lacebark, is a fast growing New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful form...

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Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Fraxinus, Hoheria, Ilex, Laurus, Lavandula Lavender and Quercus, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs Deciduous Trees and Evergreen Trees.

Search ilex angustifolia

What is ilex angustifolia?

Ilex angustifolia is a variety of English holly known for its distinctive, narrower leaves compared to its broad-leaved relatives. This variety stands out with its upright growth, fine-textured evergreen foliage, and tolerance to both clipping and shaping. Mature plants produce classic red berries in winter, a valuable food source for birds and a beautiful feature through the colder months. Its dense branching habit provides excellent screening and privacy, making it a top choice for hedges and windbreaks.

Planting and Growing ilex angustifolia

One of the key advantages of ilex angustifolia is its adaptability in the New Zealand climate. It tolerates a range of soils, provided they are well-drained, and prefers a position in full sun to part shade. When planting as a hedge, space plants around 60–90cm apart to achieve a lovely dense boundary. Regular trimming will keep the hedge tidy and accentuate the slender appearance of the foliage. Like many hollies, it is relatively pest and disease-free, requiring little beyond the occasional prune and feeding in spring.

Landscaping Ideas for ilex angustifolia

The attractive, neat foliage of ilex angustifolia lends itself well to formal hedging, topiary, and even as a low-maintenance feature shrub in mixed plantings. Use a line of these hollies against a fence for privacy, clip into geometric shapes for a classic touch, or plant as a solo specimen for a striking evergreen accent. Pairing ilex angustifolia with other holly varieties adds visual richness and interest year-round.

Related Holly Varieties

If you’re exploring different varieties of compact or narrow-leaved hollies, consider the Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia, which is closely aligned with ilex angustifolia and prized for its spiky, slender leaves. For a blue-toned foliage option, Ilex Blue Angel and Ilex Blue Prince offer outstanding colour and structure. Ilex Little Caesar is a compact holly perfect for low hedges or containers, while Ilex Sky Pencil provides a unique columnar form ideal for modern gardens.

Where to Buy ilex angustifolia in New Zealand

Our nursery stocks a wide range of holly varieties suited to New Zealand gardens, including Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia and other hollies mentioned above. Whether you’re establishing a classic hedge, looking for reliable evergreens, or seeking new inspiration for your garden design, our team can help you find the perfect holly for your needs.

Discover the difference a well-chosen holly can make in your landscape with the refined elegance of ilex angustifolia and its ornamental relatives.


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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.

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