{"product_id":"holly-ilex-aquifolium","title":"Holly (ilex aquifolium)","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative evergreen tree\/shrub, hardy and long-lived (up to 300+ years), providing year-round dense glossy green foliage and structure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIconic for Christmas decorations: bright red berries (on female plants) and spiky leaves; berries persist into winter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOutstanding for wildlife: berries feed birds (thrushes, blackbirds) in winter; dense prickly growth offers safe nesting and shelter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent security hedging – thorny, intruder-deterrent, and responds well to clipping; also effective windbreak.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTolerant of shade, pollution, coastal conditions, and most soils (including chalk and clay).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest time: Bare-root November–March (dormant season); container-grown anytime, ideally autumn or spring.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLocation: Full sun to deep shade; moist but well-drained soil (tolerates poor\/dry once established); sheltered or exposed sites; ample space for mature size (up to 15–25m tall as tree, smaller as hedge).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreparation: Dig hole twice root width; add organic matter to very poor soils.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting: Set at original depth (check soil mark on stem); firm in, water thoroughly, mulch base (keep clear of trunk); stake if needed in windy spots.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAftercare: Water well first few years in dry spells; prune hedges in late winter\/early spring; minimal care required; protect young plants from rabbits\/deer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cumbria Tree Growers Ltd","offers":[{"title":"20-30cm","offer_id":58457659375960,"sku":null,"price":3.72,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"30-45cm","offer_id":58457659408728,"sku":null,"price":4.32,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/4879\/4968\/files\/1000017233.jpg?v=1789938708","url":"https:\/\/www.treegrowers.co.uk\/products\/holly-ilex-aquifolium","provider":"Cumbria Tree Growers Ltd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}