Shrub · Aquifoliaceae family
English holly
Ilex aquifolium
In short a 10-second read
English holly (shrub) grows to 3–8 m tall and 2–5 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average soil. It flowers in May; the flowers are white. Hardy to −18 °C.
× spread 2–5 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average soil. Hardy to −18 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average · watering: moderate
Soil: clay, humus-rich, loamy, sandy
Soil pH 5–7.5
Frost
It overwinters outdoors; in cold, windy spots winter protection is worth it.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 20–50 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
May · white
Pruning
hedge trimming (March–April); remove dead and damaged growth (December–February)
Planting
container plant: October–April
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −18 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −18 °C
- Evergreen — green in winter too
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does English holly flower?
In May; the flowers are white.
Does English holly tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does English holly need?
At maturity 2–5 m wide and 3–8 m tall; recommended spacing 350 cm.
Does English holly survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −18 °C.
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 13 expert sources. Last checked 28 September 2026.
Show sources (13)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Ilex aquifolium
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Ilex aquifolium
- Van den Berk Nurseries (NL), škôlkarsky katalóg — Ilex aquifolium
- BfN (Bundesamt für Naturschutz) — Naturschutzfachliche Invasivitätsbewertung
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Ilex aquifolium
- Wikidata (CC0) — Ilex aquifolium
- RHS - Ilex aquifolium
- RHS - Mulches and mulching
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
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