The Common Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is a popular hedging choice for a variety of reasons. As a native, British hedging evergreen species, its attractions are that it is relatively slow-growing, an average of 30cm (1ft) of height growth each year, so litle maintenance required. Quite commonly, Holly forms part of a mixed native hedge, especially when planted with non-evergreen species, such as Hawthorn, Dog Rose, Hazel, Elder, Blackthorn and Crab Apple, Holly forming the evergreen component. Holly planted as a pure hedge is simply quite fantastic. As a wildlife habitat, the orange-red berries are very attractive to birds. Holly should be trimmed in autumn and also mid summer if required. Holly prefers either full or partial shade and a moist, but not wet-type soil and copes with exposed sites and seaside locations.
Please use the Fastest-Growing Hedging League Table at the bottom of this description to compare Holly Hedging against other hedging types.
If you are interested in older and taller holly trees then click ORNAMENTAL HOLLY (opens in a new window)
Benefits of using our plug plant trees
Our Holly hedging trees are sold as plug plants, in other words the roots are encased in compost. This means that planting can be carried out at any time of the year, provided they are watered in periods of drought, compared to bare-root plants which can only be planted during the plants normal dormant period (November to March). All of these trees are UK grown, which is important for successful establishment.
Wholesale Tree Prices
We will be more than happy to provide quotations on the supply of quantities of 500 or more trees. Please email us at info@trees-online.co.uk
How many Holly hedging trees do I need?
We recommend planting 6 plants per metre, so this pack of 10 trees will cover a distance of 1.6m (5ft 6in). This is called a double staggered row hedge and makes a very effective screen. How this works is that first you mark out your where your hedge is going. Use a tape measure and make a mark at every metre spot, spray paint is a good idea. Plant one Holly tree at each metre point. When this is complete, plant an additional two trees in between the first ones. In doing this you have three Holly per metre. The second line of the hedge is really a repeat of the first. Make this approximately 25cm (10in) from the first line. With the second hedge line, simply plant a tree at the mid-point between those in the first.
Rabbit and Deer Protection
We offer a range of tree shelters that will protect your hedging trees against possible attack. Click on this Tree Protection Link and it will take you to all of these products.
Fastest-Growing Hedging League Table
Use this to compare the compare the yearly growth of Holly hedging against other hedging types
Species Yearly Height Growth *
*Height growth is approximate
Cider Gum (Eucalyptus) - Evergreen 1m (3ft 4in) and 3m (10ft)
Leylandii (Cupressus Leylandii) - Evergreen 75cm (2ft 6in) to 90cm (3ft)
Cedar (Thuja plicata) - Evergreen 45cm (1ft 6in) to 60cm (2ft)
Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) - Evergreen 30cm (1ft) to 60cm (2ft)
Lawsons Cypressus (Cypressus lawsoniana) - Evergreen 60cm (2ft)
Rose (Rosa) - Non-evergreen 30cm (1ft) to 60cm (2ft)
Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster franchetii) - Evergreen 30cm (1ft) to 45cm (1ft 6in)
Dogwood (Cornus) - Non-evergreen 30cm (1ft) to 45cm (1ft 6in)
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) - Non-evergreen 30cm (1ft) to 45cm (1ft 6in)
Evergreen Barberry (Berberis darwinii) - Evergreen 30cm (1ft)
Common Beech (Fagus sylvatica) -Non-evergreen 30cm (1ft)
Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea') - Non-evergreen 30cm (1ft)
Elder (Sambucus nigra) - Non-evergreen 30cm (1ft)
Hazel (Coryllus avellana) - Non-evergreen 30cm (1ft)
Holly (Ilex aquifolium) - Evergreen 30cm (1ft)
Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) - Non-evergreen 30cm (1ft)
Privet (ligustrum ovalifolium) - Semi-evergreen 30cm (1ft)
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) - Non-evergreen 25cm (10in) to 30cm (1ft)
Oak (Quercus ilex) - Evergreen 25cm (10in) to 30cm (1ft)
Yew (Taxus baccata) - Evergreen 25cm (10in) to 30cm (1ft)
Box (Buxus sempervirens) - Evergreen 15cm (6in)
