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Ilex aquifolium ‘Ferox Argentea’ (English Holly)

Hedgehog Holly 'Ferox Argentea', Ilex aquifolium 'Ferox Argentea Marginata', English Holly 'Ferox Argentea', European Holly 'Ferox Argentea', Christmas Holly 'Ferox Argentea'

AGM Award
Ilex aquifolium 'Ferox Argentea', Hedgehog Holly, Hedgehog Holly 'Ferox Argentea', variegated Holly, Ilex aquifolium 'Ferox Argentea Marginata', red berries, evergreen shrub, Aquifoliaceae, Berry, holly, Ilex, winter shrub

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.

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 10
Heat Zones 7 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, H1
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Aquifoliaceae
Genus Ilex
Common names Christmas Holly, English Holly, Holly
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 25'
(4.6m - 7.6m)
Spread 8' - 10'
(240cm - 3m)
Spacing 96" - 120"
(240cm - 3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Ilex vomitoria f. pendula (Weeping Yaupon Holly)
Ilex cornuta ‘Needlepoint’ (Chinese Holly)
Ilex cassine (Dahoon)
Ilex Golden Oakland® (Holly)
Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly)
Ilex verticillata (Winterberry)

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Native Plant Alternatives to Ilex aquifolium (English Holly)
Attractive Evergreen Shrubs and Trees with Red Fruits and Berries
Attractive Deciduous Shrubs and Trees with Red Fruits and Berries
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 10
Heat Zones 7 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, H1
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Aquifoliaceae
Genus Ilex
Common names Christmas Holly, English Holly, Holly
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 25'
(4.6m - 7.6m)
Spread 8' - 10'
(240cm - 3m)
Spacing 96" - 120"
(240cm - 3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Ilex (Holly)
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Ilex (Holly)
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