We're offering you a Spinless Holly - 1 or 3 Potted Plants for £7.99, saving you up to 38% off Thompson and Morgan's's price of £12.99 (correct as of 08.10.2025).

Self-fertile Variety

Discover a safer, more versatile holly for your garden! The Spinless Holly (Ilex aquifolium 'J.C. van Tol') is an almost spineless evergreen shrub, celebrated for its glossy dark green leaves, abundant red berries, and adaptability. Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit, this holly brings year-round colour and structure to any outdoor space.

Why Choose Spinless Holly?

• Low Maintenance: Self-fertile and easy to grow, Spinless Holly does not require a pollination partner for berry production.
• Seasonal Beauty: Enjoy clusters of small white flowers in May–June, followed by a profusion of bright red berries from autumn into winter.
• Wildlife-Friendly: The berries and dense foliage attract birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects, supporting local biodiversity.
• Safe & Practical: With minimal spines, it's safer for family gardens and easier to handle than traditional hollies.

Growing Guide

• Soil: Tolerates most soils, including clay, loam, and sandy types. Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile ground.
• Light: Grows well in full sun to partial shade.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK (USDA zones 6–9).
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Once mature, drought tolerant.

Planting & Care

• Plant from autumn to spring when the soil is workable.
• Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
• Mulch annually with organic matter to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Feed with a balanced fertiliser in early spring for optimal growth.

Design & Companion Planting

• Use as a specimen shrub, evergreen hedge, or windbreak.
• Pairs well with other shade-tolerant evergreens like ferns, mahonia, or viburnum.
• Great for wildlife gardens, mixed borders, or as a foundation planting near entrances.

FAQs

• When is the best time to plant Spinless Holly?
  Plant between autumn and early spring for best results, avoiding periods of heavy frost.
• How fast does Spinless Holly grow?
  This variety grows at a moderate rate, typically reaching up to 6m in height over 10–20 years.
• Does it need a pollination partner for berries?
  No, Spinless Holly is self-fertile and will produce berries without another plant nearby.