Hollies are grown for their leaves, which are often spiny and glossy, and their colorful berries, which often attract birds. Flowers are small, cup-shaped, and rather inconspicuous and are borne from spring to early summer. Male and female plants are usually needed for fruiting.

Where is Ilex native to?

Ilex aquifolium, the holly, common holly, English holly, European holly, or occasionally Christmas holly, is a species of flowering plant in the family Aquifoliaceae, native to western and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia.

Do holly trees need male and female?

Hollies are dioecious, meaning that they need male and female plants in order to produce seeds, which are what berries are. So only female holly bushes will have the red berries. This means that if some of your holly bushes do not have berries, they may be male and simply cannot produce berries.

Can you grow holly in full sun?

Holly bushes do best in well-drained, moderately acidic soil, in full sun. They don’t like to be transplanted, so think carefully about where you’ll plant.

How do you grow Ilex aquifolium ‘Alaska’?

Ilex aquifolium ‘Alaska’ (English holly ‘Alaska’) will reach a height of 5.5m and a spread of 3m after 10-20 years. Grow in free-draining, humus-rich soil in full sun. UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience. We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.

How fast does Ilex aquifolium spread?

Ilex aquifolium ‘Alaska’ (English holly ‘Alaska’) will reach a height of 5.5m and a spread of 3m after 10-20 years. Grow in free-draining, humus-rich soil in full sun.

How tall do Alaska holly trees grow?

Where to grow. Ilex aquifolium ‘Alaska’ (English holly ‘Alaska’) will reach a height of 5.5m and a spread of 3m after 10-20 years.