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ilex holly

Ilex holly is a timeless favourite in New Zealand gardens, known for its glossy leaves, vibrant berries, and classic evergreen appeal. Whether you're searching for a traditional hedge, a showy specimen shrub, or an ornamental feature for your landscape, ilex holly offers both beauty and versatility. With its wide range of species—each with distinct growth habits, forms, and foliage—ilex holly suits everything from compact urban gardens to expansive rural settings. If you’re considering planting ilex holly or want to explore its many varieties, you'll find tips and inspiration here for every type of garden.

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
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 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...

From$270.40
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...

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...

From$27.53
osmanthus-heterophyllus-
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$37.19
A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.
Ilex crenata 'Convexa'

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
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
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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-blue-prince-2
Ilex 'Blue Prince'

Ilex 'Blue Prince' is a handsome evergreen holly grown for its glossy blue green foliage, dense branching, and outstanding performance as a hedge or...

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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-aquifolium-7
Ilex aquifolium

Ilex aquifolium (English Holly) is a handsome evergreen tree or large shrub valued for its glossy dark green foliage, dense growth, and classic...

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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...

OUT OF STOCK
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 '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...

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

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
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...

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

Ilex crenata 'Mariesii' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense branching, small glossy green leaves, and naturally tidy habit. Often used...

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...

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Osmanthus fortunei dark green foliage.
Osmanthus fortunei

Osmanthus fortunei is a handsome evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its glossy, holly like foliage and clusters of highly fragrant white...

OUT OF STOCK
Ilex 'Little Caesar' hegde with green foliage.
Ilex 'Little Caesar'

Ilex 'Little Caesar' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its dense growth, glossy foliage, and naturally tidy form. Its small leaves create a...

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

Ilex 'Golden King' is an attractive evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its glossy variegated foliage and strong year round garden appeal. The...

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
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
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
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Mahonia lomariifolia

Mahonia lomariifolia (Chinese Holly) is a bold evergreen shrub known for its dramatic, fern like foliage and upright spikes of yellow flowers...

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 ilex holly

What Makes ilex holly Special?

Ilex holly stands out for its year-round colour and adaptability. The dense, spiky foliage creates a natural deterrent for unwanted wildlife, while its bright red berries (on female plants) attract birds and add a pop of winter colour when little else is in bloom. The classic spined leaves are familiar in holiday decorations, but ilex holly's garden value goes far beyond festive displays. With tolerance for pruning and shaping, many gardeners use ilex holly for privacy screens, formal topiary, or as a resilient backdrop to flowers and perennials.

Popular Varieties of ilex holly

Not all hollies are created equal. At our nursery, you’ll find a curated selection of ilex holly varieties perfect for New Zealand’s climate. For narrow spaces, consider the elegant Ilex crenata Fastigiata, prized for its upright habit and small, boxwood-like leaves. The classic Ilex aquifolium is the well-known European holly, beloved for its spiny, deep-green leaves and festive berries. If you desire a more refined silhouette, Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia delivers with slender leaves and a tidier form.

Looking for alternatives to the classic forms? Japanese hollies like Ilex crenata Mariesii feature smaller, soft-edged leaves and thrive as hedges or foundation plantings. For those seeking something unique, Ilex Hendersonii offers a striking appearance and robust growth. These varieties not only add structure and greenery to your garden but also stand up well to New Zealand conditions.

Planting and Caring for ilex holly

Ilex holly is adaptable and generally low-maintenance once established. It thrives in both full sun and partial shade, and prefers well-drained, fertile soil. When planting, allow space for air circulation to prevent diseases, and mulch well to retain moisture. Regular pruning—especially of formal hedges—encourages dense growth and a tidy appearance. With its strong root system, ilex holly is drought-tolerant and resistant to most pests, making it a dependable choice for Kiwi gardens.

Choosing and Using ilex holly in Your Garden

Ilex holly offers exceptional design flexibility. Dense, evergreen foliage makes an ideal privacy screen or windbreak, while the bright berries and glossy leaves create rich garden contrasts year-round. Mix ilex holly with flowering shrubs for layered borders, or use it to shape a classic hedge. With so many forms available, from upright Ilex crenata Fastigiata to bushy Ilex aquifolium, there’s an ilex holly to suit every space.

Browse our full range of Ilex Hendersonii, Ilex crenata Mariesii, Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia, Ilex crenata Fastigiata, and Ilex aquifolium to find the perfect ilex holly for your garden. Enjoy the year-round structure, wildlife benefits, and timeless charm that only ilex holly can provide.

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.

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