Ilex aquifolium Ferox Argentea (English Holly)

Award-winning Ilex aquifolium 'Ferox Argentea' (English Holly) is a large, bushy evergreen shrub with small, shiny, spiny leaves, both on the upper leaf surface and along the edges. Borne on rich purple twigs, the foliage is adorned with broad creamy-white edges. Abundant small white flowers are produced in spring, which give way to a profusion of attractive bright red berries on female plants in fall. Extremely showy, they enliven the winter landscape and persist throughout winter. Durable and long-lived, this holly provides excellent year-round interest and contributes to lovely home decorations.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 15-25 ft. tall (450-750 cm) and 8-10 ft. wide (240-300 cm). Easy to shape, it can be kept to a smaller size through regular clipping.
• Full sun to part shade lover, this plant grows in a wide range of soils as long as they are well-drained. Although it will grow in partial shade, variegated cultivars perform better in full sun. Drought tolerant once established.
• Mass in mixed shrub borders. Perfect as a specimen plant, for hedges or foundation plantings.
• Deer, rabbit resistant, salt tolerant.
• Prune to shape in late winter or early spring just before new growth appears
• Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
• Berries may cause mild stomach upset if ingested.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Ilex aquifolium species is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia.
• Find where Ilex aquifolium species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.