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ILEX aquifolium 'Argentea-marginata'

Image of Ilex aquifolium 'Argentea-marginata'

James Burghardt

Family

Aquifoliaceae

Botanical Name

ILEX aquifolium 'Argentea-marginata'

Plant Common Name

Argentea-marginata English Holly, English Holly, Variegated English Holly

General Description

Striking evergreen foliage and showy fruits give this holly year-round interest. Eventually forming a large pyramidal shrub, it is a cultivar of the classic holly that you see decorating English winter landscapes and festive holiday displays. English holly also occurs over much of southern and western Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa.

Dramatically edged with white variegation, the spiny, oval, glossy dark green leaves contrast beautifully with the green stems. New leaves are pink-tinged. White female flowers cluster in the leaf axils in spring. Flowers are borne on the previous year's growth. If a male plant is nearby, numerous pea-sized berries follow the flowers, flushing bright red by early fall. The fruits persist into winter, if spared by the birds.

Grow English holly in full or partial sun in a well-drained, fertile, acidic to mildly alkaline soil. Mature specimens will tolerate drought and summer heat. This holly works well along large foundations and makes a superb specimen plant. Its pretty boughs can be cut and enjoyed indoors for holiday decorating.

English holly self-sows in favorable climates, and is considered a weed in parts of Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    7 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17

  • Plant Type

    Broadleaf Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    25'-35' / 7.6m - 10.7m

  • Width

    15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m

  • Bloom Time

    Spring

  • Native To

    Europe, Southern Europe, Western Europe, Northern Africa, Western Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Pyramidal

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    White, Ivory

  • Fruit Color

    Red

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    White, Green, Dark Green, Pink

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    White, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    White, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    White, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Bark Color

    Green, Gray Green, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes