Description
Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata’ is a cultivar of the common holly, an evergreen shrub or small tree in the Aquifoliaceae family. It is known for its glossy, dark green leaves with creamy-white margins, and its red berries which are produced in late fall and persist throughout winter. This cultivar is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens, landscapes and as a specimen plant. It is also used as a hedge plant or as a topiary. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types. It prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate urban pollution, salt and is drought tolerant once established. ‘Argentea Marginata’ is a slow-growing cultivar and it is easy to care for and maintain.
Key Facts
- Common Name(s):Silver-margined Holly
- Hardiness:Fully hardy
- How big will I get? Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata’ can grow to a height of 20m and a spread of 8m.
- Did You Know That:Ilex aquifolium is dioecious, which means that there are separate male and female plants. Only female plants produce berries, so it is important to have a male pollinator nearby for berry production?
Plant Calendar
A rough guide to how this plant will change through the year.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Flowering Time | ||||||||||||
Foliage Colour |
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Care Guide
Soil Requirements
Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata’ is a versatile plant and can cope with wet or drier soils, but prefers there to be decent drainage. This plant can grow in soil with a wide range of pH levels, it is not picky about the pH level of the soil.
Best Position
Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata’ can handle either an exposed or a sheltered position and can cope with either full sun or partial shade.
Maintenance
Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata’ is fairly low maintenance and doesn’t require any pruning.
Pest, Diseases and Wildlife
Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata’ can have problems with aphids and scale insects, it can be vulnerable to certain diseases such as holly leaf blight. It is also known to attract bees, butterflies, birds and other pollinators. It is toxic to cats, dogs, horses and people.