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'
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.
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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 | Ilex - Hollies |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 15' – 25' (4.5m – 7.5m) |
Spread | 8' – 10' (240cm – 3m) |
Spacing | 96" – 120" (240cm – 300cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Salt |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
CFG Photo
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.
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 | Ilex - Hollies |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 15' – 25' (4.5m – 7.5m) |
Spread | 8' – 10' (240cm – 3m) |
Spacing | 96" – 120" (240cm – 300cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Salt |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |