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Position

Sun Exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Common holly, Ilex aquifolium, is a useful evergreen shrub that can be grown as a specimen tree, clipped bushes or as a hedge. There are dozens of varieties, many with variegated leaves. Plants are either male or female, and only the female plants bear berries. Both sexes are required for the female plants to produce berries, which appear from late autumn to mid-winter.

Ilex aquifolium ‘Silver Queen’ is a male holly, bearing distinctive silver margins on its spiny and glossy green leaves. The stems and young foliage are purple. For best results grow Ilex aquifolium ‘Silver Queen’ in moist but well-drained soil, in sun or shade.

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Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyes
Plantyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Fruitsyesyesyesyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyes
Pruneyes
Collect seedsyesyesyes

Ilex ‘Silver queen’ and wildlife

Ilex ‘Silver queen’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, has seeds for birds and makes a good wildlife hedge.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Ilex ‘Silver queen’ poisonous?

Ilex ‘Silver queen’ causes an upset stomach, irritates skin and is harmful if ingested. Its fruit is toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract Horses
Horses
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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