Ilex Golden King (9cm)

Ilex Altaclerensis Golden King is a compact medium-sized evergreen shrub that features highly ornamental foliage that shines brightly throughout the year. Also known as English Holly, the variegated Golden King is actually a female variety that produces striking red berries with a male plant in autumn. It is a tough and hardy plant that can tolerate most soil types and withstand coastal winds or city pollution.

The leaves of Golden King Holly are glossy with grey-green mottled centres, margined with bright golden-yellow. The leaves of this Holly are free from spines and look very attractive in all seasons. The flowers, however, are insignificant but are rich in nectar that is loved by the bees. In autumn, provided the presence of a nearby male plant, reddish-brown berries will be produced that will ripen to red.

English Holly are easy to grow shrubs that can tolerate extreme temperatures. They will thrive in full sunlight planted in moist and slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic content and well-drained. They can tolerate hard winter frost without issue.

Golden King is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning, only to keep its shape for hedging. Trim in late summer to remove any misplaced branches. Apply a layer of mulch made of well-rotted compost or manure at plant base.

Golden King Holly is undoubtedly an attractive specimen plant. Use it in the back of a sunny mixed border. It is ideal in low maintenance gardens as formal hedging. The abundance of red berries in autumn creates a spectacular floral display. Grow it in containers or as a free-standing specimen plant.