Holly

Plant container-grown holly at any time of year, or bare-root plants from November to March. Holly tolerates virtually any conditions but grows fastest in moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. For berries, you need both a male and a female plant within 20 metres, unless you choose a self-fertile cultivar. Variegated forms need more sun to maintain their leaf colour. Water regularly during the first two years. Mulch annually with bark or leaf mould. Holly is slow-growing initially but becomes vigorous once established. It makes an excellent dense hedge, planted at 45 cm spacing.

Trim hedges and topiary in late summer (August). Prune specimen trees in late winter if needed, removing dead or damaged branches. Holly responds well to hard renovation pruning if overgrown. Use bypass secateurs for a clean cut; avoid hedge trimmers on large-leaved varieties as they shred the foliage.