Common holly

Appearance: large, slow-growing dome-shaped shrub or small conical tree, 2-5(10) m tall, up to 4 m wide, with somewhat curved shoots; in the lower part of the plant the shoots are strongly pendulous, often lying on the ground.

Flowers: inconspicuous, male or female.

Fruits: red, pea-sized, glossy, numerous, ornamental, poisonous, from autumn to early spring.

Leaves: evergreen, oval or narrowly ovate, glossy, dark green, dense, leathery; margins of young leaves spiny.

Root system: deep, broad.

Requirements: sun/partial shade, prefers cool locations, suffers from high temperatures and drought, needs protection from winter sun, winds and severe frosts, not winter-hardy.

Soils: on any well-drained, relatively fertile substrates.

Note: tolerates pruning well, can be used as a hedge.

Zone: 7a