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standard holly tree

A standard holly tree is a stunning addition to any New Zealand garden, offering year-round interest, architectural form, and classic elegance. Characterised by their neat, rounded heads atop a clear stem, standard holly trees work beautifully as statement pieces in pots, formal borders, on patios, or as stylish entranceway accents. With their glossy evergreen foliage and charming, often red berries, standard hollies are valued for both ornamental beauty and wildlife attraction.

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.

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

Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly)

5 from 1 customers

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 alternative to buxus, this hardy plant provides year round structure and neat formality in New Zealand gardens. Its fine textured foliage and excellent response to clipping make it ideal for hedging, topiary, borders, and formal garden designs. Ilex crenata 'Convexa' thrives in a wide range of conditions and offers reliable evergreen beauty with low maintenance appeal throughout the year.

From $27.53

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock, White
Ilex 'Largo' plant with lush, dark green foliage.
Ilex Largo

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...

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$33.05
acer-princeton-gold-
Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$349.95
sorbus-scarlet-king-
Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$387.55
Michelia yunnanensis white flowers and glossy, green foliage.
Michelia yunnanensis

Michelia yunnanensis is a compact, evergreen tree renowned for its glossy, green leaves and highly fragrant, white flowers, which bloom from late...

From$41.33
Michelia 'Fairy White' white flowers with lush, green foliage.
Michelia 'Fairy White'

Michelia 'Fairy White' is a compact evergreen tree admired for its glossy dark green foliage and fragrant pure white flowers that bloom from late...

From$136.04
Michelia 'Inspiration' white flowers and dark green foliage.
Michelia 'Inspiration'

Michelia 'Inspiration' is a compact evergreen tree admired for its glossy dark green foliage and fragrant white flowers that bloom from late winter...

From$34.43
A Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' tree with masses of cream-white flowers amidst glossy green foliage.
Michelia 'Velvet and Cream'

Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' is a compact, evergreen tree admired for its glossy, dark green foliage and fragrant, creamy white flowers that bloom...

From$34.43
tree-and-shrub-fertiliser-
Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$13.40
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...

From$430.15
prunus-felix-jury-
Prunus Felix Jury

Prunus Felix Jury is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of large, claret-red blossoms in spring which are held as pendulous clusters...

From$494.05
prunus-awanui-3
Prunus Awanui

Prunus Awanui is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of fragrant, pink flowers through spring. This deciduous tree grows with a vase...

From$387.55
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
A Liquidambar 'Gumball' tree with fabulous autumn colours.
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball'

Liquidambar 'Gumball' is a small tree grown for its form and fantastic autumn colours. This popular ornamental tree features leaves that emerge lime...

From$387.55
prunus-amanogawa-
Prunus Amanogawa

Prunus Amanogawa is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of pale-pink flowers through spring. The mildly fragrant, semi-double flowers...

From$387.55
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$28.91
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$387.55
prunus-falling-snow-
Prunus Falling Snow

Prunus Falling Snow is a variety of Flowering Cherry grown for its pendulous growth and fantastic flowering. It features masses of single, white...

From$387.55
A Michelia 'Fairy Cream' hedge with masses of cream-white flowers and glossy, green foliage.
Michelia 'Fairy Cream'

Michelia 'Fairy Cream' grows as a small and shapely tree carrying glossy, green leaves which are attractive in their own right. Velvet buds are borne...

From$270.40
Michelia 'Fairy Blush' flowers tinged with pink amidst lush, dark green foliage.
Michelia 'Fairy Blush'

Michelia 'Fairy Blush' is a compact, evergreen tree admired for its glossy, dark green foliage and fragrant, lilac-pink flowers that bloom from late...

From$136.04
magnolia-margaret-helen-
Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$387.55
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
prunus-accolade-
Prunus Accolade

Prunus Accolade is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of semi-double flowers. The frilly and pink blooms are borne in clusters...

From$387.55
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$557.95
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1
Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$270.40
Laurus nobilis foliage and flowers.
Laurus nobilis

Laurus nobilis, commonly known as Sweet Bay Tree or Bay Laurel, is a versatile evergreen tree prized for its aromatic leaves and classic form. It...

From$34.43
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1
Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$515.35
magnolia-deryk-2
Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$387.55
emguard-biodegradable-plant-shelter-
Tree Guards (Tree Guards)

Our tree guards and plant shelters are bio-degradable products that are perfect for using in riparian areas and other exposed positions. They are...

From$5.00
Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Ilex, and Michelia, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, and Evergreen Trees.

Search standard holly tree

Why Choose a Standard Holly Tree?

Opting for a standard holly tree brings both practical and decorative benefits to your landscape design. These trees are often evergreen, providing persistent leafy structure in all seasons, and their dense habit makes them ideal for privacy screening or topiary features. Because they are typically grown with a clear trunk and a clipped crown, standard holly trees add an architectural quality to pathways, garden beds, or containers.

A key species for those seeking a formal, tidy effect is Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia, known for its slender, glossy leaves and classic holly silhouette. Alternatively, for a subtle, compact form suitable for shaping into standards, Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) offers fine-textured foliage and resilience, making it a fantastic option for modern gardens.

Planting and Caring for Standard Holly Trees

When planting a standard holly tree, select a spot with free-draining soil and adequate light. Standards thrive in full sun to part shade. Ensure regular watering, especially during establishment, and top up mulch annually to conserve moisture and control weeds. For potted standards, choose a quality potting mix and ensure good drainage. Occasional trimming will preserve the signature rounded crown and keep your holly looking neat.

Because standard holly trees can tolerate trimming and shaping, they suit formal designs as well as more relaxed planting schemes. Feeding with a slow-release fertiliser in spring will promote lush new growth and berry production.

Companion Plants and Alternative Hollies

Standard holly trees pair beautifully with a wide range of companion plants, especially other evergreen shrubs or topiary for a sophisticated look. Consider the contrasting textures of Mahonia lomariifolia (Chinese Holly), which offers bold, spiny foliage and yellow winter flowers. For a different style or size, Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly) has a compact, dense form well suited to small spaces or container growing.

Gardeners seeking a unique holly could explore Ilex Largo, prized for its vigorous habit and striking, lush leaves.

Year-Round Appeal and Wildlife Value

One of the classic joys of a standard holly tree is its changing seasonal interest. Many varieties develop glossy berries in autumn, beloved by birds and a splash of festive colour in winter. Their dense foliage provides shelter for native birds and pollinators throughout the year, supporting your garden’s ecosystem.

Whether chosen for formal structure, patio accent, or wildlife value, standard holly trees are a rewarding investment in lasting garden beauty. Browse our range of holly varieties and related species to find the perfect fit for your landscape.

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.
Lomandra Little Con and Rose 'Flower Carpet White' are beloved staples, but Gardenia 'Frostproof', Hemerocallis 'Orange Star', and Laurelia novae-zelandiae bring fresh energy to any planting scheme.
–The Plant Company

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