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ilex aquifolium hedge

An Ilex aquifolium hedge, also known as English holly, is a timeless choice for gardeners seeking year-round structure, elegant privacy, and a touch of festive colour in their New Zealand landscape. Loved for its glossy, spiny evergreen leaves and iconic red berries in winter, Ilex aquifolium creates a formal, attractive boundary—perfect for classic and contemporary gardens alike. Whether you want a dense screening hedge, a feature backdrop for planting, or a low-maintenance living fence, Ilex aquifolium delivers lasting beauty and resilience.

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.

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' 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.

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
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
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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Buxus sempervirens perfectly manicured balls.
Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood)

Buxus sempervirens, commonly known as English Box or Box Hedge, is a classic evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for formal hedging and topiary...

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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 '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
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Westringia 'Aussie Box'

Westringia 'Aussie Box' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense bright green foliage, naturally rounded habit, and small white flowers that...

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Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' (Japanese Privet) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its rounded glossy green leaves and dense compact growth habit...

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Buxus 'Silver Beauty' plant with dark green and yellow variegated foliage.
Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood)

Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty', commonly known as Box Hedge, features small leaves that are dark green with irregular, cream-silver margins, and...

From$99.95
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$13.95
Gardenia Frost Proof shrub with white flowers and dark green foliage.
Gardenia 'Frostproof'

Gardenia 'Frostproof' is a hardy, evergreen shrub renowned for its fragrant white flowers and glossy, dark green foliage. Reaching around 90–120 cm...

From$18.95
Griselinia 'Canterbury' hedge with lush green foliage.
Griselinia 'Canterbury'

Griselinia 'Canterbury' is a compact New Zealand native shrub prized for its bright green foliage held on attractive red-brown stems. It forms a...

Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

From$22.01
Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price' plant with pink flower buds above lush, dark green foliage.
Viburnum Eve Price

Viburnum 'Eve Price' is a compact, evergreen shrub admired for its flowers, foliage, and tidy form. It features dark green foliage, pink buds in...

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Pittosporum tenuifolium (Kohuhu) lush green foliage.
Pittosporum tenuifolium

Pittosporum tenuifolium, commonly known as Kohuhu or Black Matipo, is a fast-growing, evergreen native tree ideal for hedging, screening, and shelter...

From$102.84
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Feijoa 'Pounamu'

Feijoa 'Pounamu' is an early-season variety that produces medium-sized fruit with a thin, smooth skin. The flesh is sweet and juicy and has a tangy...

From$35.81
Griselinia Broadway Mint hedge with lush, green foliage.
Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia Broadway Mint, commonly known as NZ Broadleaf, is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub prized for its dense, glossy...

From$12.95
Dodonaea viscosa small tree with green foliage.
Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake)

Dodonaea viscosa, commonly known as the Green Ake Ake, features lush, bright green leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$13.95
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Grevillea 'Clearview David'

Grevillea 'Clearview David' is a vigorous evergreen shrub known for its attractive foliage and masses of soft coloured flowers. Flowering over a long...

From$28.91
Corokia 'Little Prince' plants with grey stems and small green leaves at The Plant Company nursery.
Corokia 'Little Prince'

Corokia 'Little Prince' is a small and twiggy, NZ native shrub that features small, grey-brown leaves and black stems. The slim, intertwined stems...

From$12.95
Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist' small, green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist'

Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist' is a NZ native shrub with small, olive-green leaves held densely on narrow, black stems. This evergreen typically grows to...

From$22.01
A well trimmed Ficus Tuffy hedge with lush green foliage.
Ficus Tuffi

Ficus 'Tuffi', also known as Ficus Tuffy, is a dense, upright evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for hedging and screening. It features glossy...

From$12.95
A Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' hedge with fresh-green foliage.
Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box)

Buxus microphylla Japonica, commonly known as Japanese box hedge, grows about twice as fast as English box (Buxus sempervirens). The foliage is also...

From$99.95
Elegant Michelia 'Bubbles' admisdt lush, green foliage.
Michelia 'Bubbles'

Michelia ‘Bubbles’ is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy green foliage and masses of creamy white, fragrant flowers that...

From$41.33
Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' hedge.
Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald'

Griselinia Ardmore Emerald is a lush, NZ-native shrub known for its glossy, deep green foliage and dense, upright growth. It typically reaches 3-4...

From$18.95
Corokia 'Sunsplash' shrub with yellow foliage in a garden.
Corokia 'Sunsplash'

Corokia 'Sunsplash' is a NZ native shrub grown for its impressive foliage. It features small leaves that are variegated yellow with a central splash...

From$16.95
Corokia 'Geenty's Green' hedge.
Corokia 'Geenty's Green'

Corokia 'Geenty's Green' is a hardy, NZ native shrub that bears narrow, olive-green leaves that have a silver underside. Masses of small, star-like...

From$16.95
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' plants with lush, green foliage.
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime'

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lime' is a bright and eye catching honeysuckle valued for its vivid lime foliage and compact, tidy habit. This hardy shrub...

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Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' yellow and green foliage.
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon'

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' is an evergreen shrub often used instead of Buxus for hedges. It carries dense, upright branches that host small and...

From$16.95
Camellia Setsugekka hedge in full flower.
Camellia 'Setsugekka'

Camellia 'Setsugekka' is a sasanqua variety with large, semi-double, white flowers with wavy, fluted petals and a yellow centre. These contrast...

From$27.95
A magnificant Photinia 'Super Hedge' hedge.
Photinia 'Super Hedge'

Photinia 'Super Hedge' features bright and colourful foliage with bright red new growth. This foliage ages to become mid-dark green, resulting in a...

From$24.95
Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search ilex aquifolium hedge

Why Choose Ilex aquifolium for Hedges?

Ilex aquifolium is renowned for its dense, upright growth and impressive adaptability, making it ideal for formal clips or looser, naturalistic hedges. The prickly, glossy foliage forms an effective barrier, deterring intruders—both human and animal. As one of the toughest evergreen shrubs, it tolerates urban pollution, coastal winds, and partial shade, while the bird-attracting red berries add seasonal interest. Ilex aquifolium hedges are slow-growing yet long-lived, requiring only occasional shaping to maintain their form and vitality.

Planting and Growing Your Ilex aquifolium Hedge

For a successful Ilex aquifolium hedge, choose a well-drained spot with some sun or light shade. Hedges thrive in a wide range of soils, including clay, and withstand the varied New Zealand climate. Space young holly plants approximately 40-60cm apart for a dense effect or further if a softer look is desired. Water well after planting and mulch to suppress weeds. Prune your hedge in late winter or early spring to encourage bushy growth and retain shape. With minimal care, an Ilex aquifolium hedge keeps its deep green lustre and robust structure all year round.

Popular Ilex Varieties for Hedges

While the classic Ilex aquifolium produces the traditional look, there are beautiful cultivars to add extra interest, colour, or softer foliage:

These cultivars all retain the durability and evergreen structure of classic holly, allowing you to design a hedge that’s uniquely yours.

Using Ilex aquifolium in Your Garden

An Ilex aquifolium hedge is highly versatile. Use it as a boundary for privacy, to create garden rooms, or as a windbreak. Pair it with specimen trees, flowering shrubs, or perennial beds for layered visual interest. Consider underplanting with spring bulbs to highlight the holly’s rich evergreen leaves. With its wildlife-friendly berries and dense foliage, Ilex aquifolium supports beneficial birds and insects, adding life to your garden backdrop.

Explore our full range of Ilex aquifolium options to create the ideal evergreen hedge for your garden. From classic to variegated forms, you’ll find a holly suited to every garden style and purpose.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Our most famous blooms include Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood) and Duranta Geisha Girl, but some of our best-kept secrets are Callistemon 'Little John', Prunus yedoensis, and Griselinia 'Gecko Green' — underrated beauties ready to shine.
–The Plant Company

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