Ilex aquifolium 'Argentea Marginata' 12Ltr pot

Ilex aquifolium 'Argentea Marginata' – Silver-Margined Holly – 12 Litre Pot

One of the most elegant variegated hollies, 'Argentea Marginata' brightens the garden every day of the year. Its glossy, wavy-edged green leaves are boldly margined in cream, with new growth emerging attractively flushed with pink. As a female form, it follows its small white spring flowers with clusters of bright red berries through autumn and winter, which look especially striking against the pale-edged foliage.

Holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, it develops a handsome conical shape, making it an outstanding specimen tree, a lighter-looking hedge, or a characterful piece of topiary. Fully hardy (RHS H6), it thrives in chalk, clay, loam or sand of any pH, in moist but well-drained or free-draining soil, and copes with both exposed and sheltered sites. It grows in sun or partial shade, though full sun brings out the richest variegation. Its spring flowers attract pollinators and the berries provide winter food for birds; they are ornamental only and should not be eaten by people or pets, and gloves are advisable when handling the spiny leaves. A male holly nearby will help ensure a good crop of berries.

Plant from autumn to spring and water well through the first year. Specimens need little pruning beyond removing any misplaced or all-green shoots, while hedges and topiary can be trimmed in early spring. Growth is slow, but left unclipped it will eventually exceed 12m in height with a spread of 4–8m.

Each plant is hand-selected before dispatch.