Ilex aquifolium - Common Holly

The Ilex aquifolium is the Common Holly that needs no introduction. It is widespread throughout Europe, from Scandinavia to the Caucasus, southern Europe to North Africa, and Iran to northern Asia. This vast distribution area clearly highlights the remarkable adaptability of this bush. A bright shade-loving species with perfect form, it has been appreciated since time immemorial for its bright red berries that adorn the female plants in winter, perfectly enhanced by its dark and glossy prickly foliage. A symbol of our end-of-year celebrations, the Common Holly, highlighted in winter by a mantle of snow, is a great companion in most regions. Ornamental all year round, it will belong in a wild garden, a natural or defensive hedge or as a solitary plant.

Hollies belong to the Aquifoliaceae family. Ilex aquifolium is a ubiquitous evergreen bush, loving deep soils and cool to wet areas, but also adapting to open spaces. It has various forms, taking on the appearance of a large conical bush 5m (16.4 ft) tall and 2m (6.6 ft) wide, or the denser habit of a small tree, depending on its habitat. This slow-growing species deeply roots in the soil, establishing its root system before producing its branches. It is a large dioecious bush, meaning there are male and female individuals. The evergreen foliage is composed of tough leaves, 5 to 8cm (3.1in) long, taking different forms depending on the age or vigour of the plant. The leaf margin is undulate and dentate, with sharp spines, especially towards the bottom.  The surface is dark green and very shiny on the upper side, much lighter and matte on the underside. Flowering occurs in spring, May-June, in the axils of the leaves, in the form of small white to pinkish, fragrant and nectar-rich flowers, not exceeding 5mm (0.2in) in diameter. Male flowers are clustered, while female flowers are solitary or grouped in 2 or 3. When pollination occurs, the female flowers transform into small globose and shiny fruits, ranging from dark red to scarlet, which are a delight for birds in winter. In the garden, birds scatter the seeds randomly, and it is not uncommon to see countless little hollies popping up here and there in flowerbeds and under large trees! The bark of this small tree is green when young, then turns grey and smooth. The Common Holly is a long-lived species, capable of living 400 to 500 years.

The Ilex aquifolium will please gardeners who appreciate sturdy, beautiful and unpretentious bushes all year round. It has the advantage of adapting to many growing conditions while adding architecture to the garden. It is majestic, especially in winter when its bright red fruits appear. It is perfect in a grove, accompanied by some deciduous shrubs with autumn foliage (Parrotia, Cotinus, Sorbus domestica...) and grey-blue conifers for contrast. It can also be planted in a mixed hedge, in the company of Elaeagnus Zempin, coyote willow (Salix exigua), Laurustinus, Cotoneaster lacteus, deciduous euonymus, or elderberries. It can be used to create defensive hedges with pyracanthas and Poncirus trifoliata. It dislikes dry air and shallow soils. Hardy beyond -15°C (5°F), it particularly enjoys cool places in a large natural garden. Plant it without moderation in cold regions, along with hawthorns, snowberries, and other evergreen hollies.

Hollies are a mix of loved and unknown plants. The genus includes nearly 800 deciduous or evergreen species, generally native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere. These ancient plants have experienced the alternation of glacial periods and dry and hot periods in our climatic history, making them extremely adaptable and resistant. Their wood, white to cream, is very low in water, even when green. It is dense and heavy but soft and easy to work in cabinetmaking. It is also an excellent fuel for heating, usable even when green. Finally, its foliage and berries (inedible) are rich in caffeine. A tea is prepared with its leaves in the Black Forest.