Ilex aquifolium 'J.C. van Tol'

English holly (self-fertile female)

Eventual height & spread

Ilex aquifolium 'J.C. van Tol'

English holly (self-fertile female)

  • 10 litre pot | 1.0 - 1.2m tall
  • £119.99
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
  • 3 litre pot
  • £38.99
  • available to order from spring
Delivery options
  • Standard £7.95
  • Named Day £10.95
  • Position: full sun or partial shade
  • Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
  • Rate of growth: slow
  • Flowering period: May to June
  • Hardiness: fully hardy


This hardy native holly is unusual in that its glossy, dark green leaves are almost spineless. It is also self-fertile, and so does not need to be near a male holly to produce fruit. Instead, the bright red berries appear on dark purple stems in autumn and persist through the winter months, providing a rich source of food for birds. This holly makes a handsome evergreen specimen tree for a small garden with fertile, moist, well-drained soil.

To find out more about how to plant a hedge, click here


  • Garden care:
    Plants grown as free-standing specimens require minimal pruning - remove diseased or misplaced branches in spring. Trim plants grown as formal hedges in late summer. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base of the plant.
    • Humans/Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten

    Goes well with