Ilex Argentea Marginata (9cm)

Ilex Argentea Marginata is a medium-sized tall evergreen shrub with broad-leaved bushy habit, suitable for hedges and borders. Also known as the Silver-Margined Holly, this bushy shrub makes an excellent and handsome evergreen specimen tree that takes conical or pyramidal shape as it matures. Its variegated dark-green leaves and showy red fruits provide year-round interest. This Holly is a highly decorative plant that can brighten up shady corners.

It produces spiny and lustrous, dark-green leaves decorated with cream-silver edges. The leaves are tinged in pink when they emerge as young. In spring, small female white flowers are borne that are inconspicuous. In the presence of a male plant nearby, Silver-Margined Holly will produce masses of bright red berries in autumn that will persist into winter.

Ilex Silver-Margined Holly is an easy to grow shrub that requires low maintenance. Plant it in a moist and fertile soil that is well-drained. It prefers sunny position although it will perform well even in partial shade. Variegated Marginata performs its best in full sunlight.

It is important to have a male holly in the vicinity to produce berries. This plant can tolerate pruning very well although it requires only a little pruning to make great shapes for hedging. Simply remove any damaged branches in spring or summer. Trimming the plant will help in keeping its shape compact.

Since Silver-Margined Holly is tolerant of urban pollution and coastal winds, it is suitable for both city coastal gardens. Its leaves are ideal for floral arrangements. It is widely used as a popular hedging and border plant that is tall, bushy and is evergreen throughout the year.