Ilex aquifolium ‘Handsworth New Silver’
Holly
Purple stemmed variety. Long leaves, deep green mottled grey with broad creamy-white margin. Read more
Attributes
- Evergreen
- Tree shape: Bush / Bushy
- Size: Small
- Leaf colour: Green
- Flower colour: White
- Growth rate: Slow
- Suitable for topiary
- Flowering month: May
- Variegated foliage
- Drought tolerant
- Fruit for wildlife
- Clay tolerant
- Can be hard pruned
- Tolerates coastal sites
- Suitable for hedging
- Tolerates shade
- Prefers acid soil
- Award-winning
Description: Included in the ‘Argentea Marginata’ group. 'Handsworth New Silver' makes a large, dense, evergreen shrub with dark purple stems and young growth bearing spiny, long, narrow, glossy green leaves, broadly margined with cream. The small white flowers are followed by bright red berries that are toxic to humans, also something to consider with children in the garden. The female varieties need a male partner to pollinate them. Tolerant of most positions but prefers a loamy well drained soil.
History: (1850) Received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Ilex Growing Tips: Thrive in almost any well drained soil, in shade or sun. Most are tolerant of urban pollution and coastal conditions.
Height and Spread (after 10 years): 2m x 1.5m