10 English Holly Seeds - Ilex aquifolium Evergreen Shrub with Red Berries

English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is a classic evergreen shrub known for its glossy, spiny leaves and bright red berries. This versatile plant adds year-round structure and color to gardens, hedges, and woodland areas. The red berries are a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife, while the dense foliage provides excellent cover. English Holly is also a popular choice for holiday decorations.

With its tolerance for shade and ability to be pruned, English Holly is a reliable and attractive addition to many landscapes. Whether grown as a specimen plant, in a mixed border, or as a formal hedge, it offers timeless beauty and ecological benefits.

Plant Features

• Evergreen foliage with glossy, spiny leaves
• Produces bright red berries on female plants (requires male pollinator)
• Dense growth habit suitable for hedges and screening
• Provides food and shelter for birds
• Tolerates a range of soil types and partial shade

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Ilex aquifolium
• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, moist soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Mature Height: 15-30 feet (can be pruned smaller)
• Spacing: 3-5 feet for hedges

Planting & Care

To grow English Holly from seed, start by cleaning the seeds and stratifying them to break dormancy. Sow seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix, barely covering them with soil. Keep the medium moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature around 60-70°F (15-21°C). Germination can be slow and erratic, often taking several months to a year. Once seedlings have developed true leaves, transplant them into individual pots and grow them on in a sheltered spot until they are large enough to plant outdoors.

When planting outdoors, choose a location with well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a deep root system. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Prune as needed to shape the plant or maintain a hedge. Note that English Holly is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are on separate plants; only female plants produce berries, and a male pollinator must be nearby for fruit set.

What's Included

10 English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) seeds.