ILEX......

Ilex - classic hollies

We are now really understanding the problems of developing new beds in large open areas, and are looking to hollies to generate an evergreen framework to aid the establishment of young plants and create something to look at in the winter. I’m sure these classic plants need no introduction, but I will remind you that male and female plants are needed to maximise berrying. However, they need not be side-by-side.
ILEX x altaclerensis 'Belgica Aurea'
I always knew this vigorous, erect plant as 'Silver Sentinel' but we have followed Plantfinder's nomenclature. The sparsely spined leaves are deep green, mottled with pale green and grey whilst being conspicuously margined creamy white. Female, so red berries add to the attraction.
from £16.50
ILEX x altaclerensis 'Lawsoniana'
This bright and cheerful selection has large, generally spineless leaves which are dramatically splashed yellow in the centre.
from £16.50
ILEX aquifolium
Our native holly is perfect for so many uses; whether hedging, windbreak or screening. Introduce it into the woodland to give valuable winter shelter to more delicate treasures. Tolerant of even dry shade.
Not available this season
ILEX aquifolium 'Ferox Argentea'
The "hedgehog hollies" are such fun! As well as the usual spines around the edge of the leaf, there is an additional row along the midrib. A compact, bushy plant, this form has creamy-white margined leaves which contrast beautifully with the purple stems. Male.
from £16.50
ILEX aquifolium 'Ferox Aurea'
This variant of the "hedgehog holly" has a central golden splash to each deep green spiky leaf. Male.
from £16.50
ILEX aquifolium ' Handsworth New Silver'
The creamy white margin defines the longer than average leaf, which contrast well with the purple stems. Female and free fruiting.
from £16.50
ILEX aquifolium ' J.C van Tol' 
As a mature plant the habit of this is wonderful. Tall and relatively narrow, but distinctly pyramidal with gently drooping branches, the rich green leaves provide a dramatic foil for other plants. It is self fertile so the red berries are reliably produced in great profusion.
Not available this season
ILEX aquifolium 'Madame Briot'
Purple stems contrast with dark green leaves which are conspicuously mottled and margined with dark yellow. Female.
from £16.50
ILEX aquifolium 'Somerset Cream'
A delightful selection as well as being geographically appropriate for us! The foliage is boldly variegated with shades of cream and yellow; splendid with a prolific crop of red berries. Female.
from £16.50


Ilex verticillata

These deciduous hollies are not well known in this country. Yet they should be! For sheer "berry-power" they are hard to beat! They are easily grown shrubs which are tolerant of most soils and conditions, including areas which waterlog, although they are not brilliant on chalk. The bright red berries are clustered right up the stems, ripen in August to September and reliably persist until Christmas, or even March-April, dependant on weather and bird populations! They look magnificent against a snowy landscape but are equally fantastic for cutting. The cut stems will keep for months indoors, but only if they are not in water. Male pollinators are required, whilst berries will only be produced by females.
ILEX verticillata 'Maryland Beauty' 
This particular cultivar is more compact, reaching approx 2m. Female.
£18.00
ILEX verticillata 'Southern Gentleman'
The elusive male, essential for pollination. Don't forget that just 1 'Southern Gentleman' can handle a whole collection of females...!
£18.00
NEW ILEX verticillata 'Winter Gold'
This distinctive selection produces a wonderful display of golden berries instead of the more usual red.
£18.00
ILEX verticillata 'Winter Red'
This is one of the best cultivars. It is larger growing than Maryland Beauty, and can reach 3m tall given time. Female, so the red berries are produced in profusion.
£18.00
NEW IRIS lazica 'Joy Bishop'
I. lazica is closely related to I. unguicularis though coming from the coast of the Black Sea, it prefers a cooler more shaded environment so is perfect at the foot of a north wall or beneath other planting. In common with its Mediterranean counterpart, it flowers all through the winter. The rich purple flowers are larger and deeper in colour than the species.
Large plants £7.50
NEW IRIS lazica 'Richard Nutt'
Another selected form - with deep violet-purple flowers.
Large plants £7.50
IRIS unguicularis 'Abington Purple'
This one, by comparison with other selections of this gorgeous species, is more compact and has a slightly smaller, but darker flower. 
Large plants £7.50
IRIS unguicularis 'Mary Barnard'
Deservedly popular, the rich violet-purple flowers have with large, flared petals whilst the falls are strongly marked with a central gold bar and white feathering. A robust and floriferous plant.
Large plants £7.50
IRIS unguicularis ‘Walter Butt’
These wonderful Mediterranean iris thrive in sheltered, sunny sites (like the base of a sunny wall) where their gorgeous flowers can be enjoyed all winter. I prune the foliage of mine back in autumn to really do justice to the blooms. They pick well too. This one has huge lavender-blue flowers from November to February. 45cm.
Not available this season
ITEA virginica 'Henry's Garnet' 
I cannot begin to do justice to the fantastic autumn colour! It is semi evergreen but turns the most amazing deep purple which is held until after Christmas. 15cm long racemes of fragrant white flowers are produced in early summer. Best colour in a sunny site with moist, fertile soil. Only growing to 4' or so, every garden has room for it. I love it!
£15.00
ITEA virginica 'Long Spire' 
I am so captivated by this species that I feel another collection coming on..! this variant has longer flower spikes, the weight of which make them droop rather than being upright as the others we have. Although we have not grown them side by side for long enough to be sure, I suspect that this one will be the largest of the three.
Not available this season
ITEA virginiana 'Merlot' 
We have been so impressed by 'Henry's Garnet' that we have been looking out for other cultivars of this easily grown shrub. This form is slightly smaller growing, but still has the same wonderful wine-red autumn colour. The white flowers, which occur in spikes in April, are fragrant too.
Not available this season
ITEA virginica 'Sarah Eve' 
This selection has much pinker flower spikes.
£15.00
NEW JUNIPERUS chinensis 'Blue Alps'
I fell in love with this conifer a few years ago when I was searching for some tough evergreens to plant within our mixed borders to give some structure and protection. Pleasantly vigorous, with upright but gently arching habit and wonderful steely-blue needles. Mine is less than 2m tall after 10 years. I should also mention that my son rooted these cuttings (and conifers are not the easiest things to root!)
£9.60
Back to Previous Page

Next Page

Go Back to Top of Page
Home