GardenWizzPlant Care Card

Holly

Ilex aquifolium · Shrub

Hardiness
H6 Hardy — very cold winter (to −15 to −20°C)
Position
Full sun, Partial shade
Height × Spread
2–4.5 m × 1–3 m
Soil
Moist but well-drained; acid, alkaline, or neutral pH; enriched with organic matter; avoid solid chalk.
Flowering
March–May
Toxicity
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Potentially harmful to pets.

The Gardening Year

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
🌱 Sow
🪴 Plant out
🌸 In flower
✂️ Prune

Watch out for

Holly leaf blight (Phytophthora ilicis): Improve drainage to avoid waterlogging, remove infected debris, and quarantine new plants for observation before planting.

Holly leaf miner: Generally harmless; prune out severely affected shoots if necessary, but usually no chemical control is needed.

Scale insects: Scrape off small infestations manually or use horticultural oil sprays during the dormant season.

Aphids: Encourage natural predators like ladybirds or treat with a targeted insecticidal soap if populations are high.

Winter desiccation: Water well before ground freezes in autumn and mulch roots to retain moisture during dry winter spells.

Full guide: gardenwizz.com/plants/holly © GardenWizz — UK gardening encyclopedia