One of the most evocative and best loved of all trees; the Common Holly is beautiful in its simplicity and brings cheer at the darkest time of year.

It is very tolerant of shade and prefers well drained soils.

This native of Britain is a small conical evergreen tree which provides year-round interest but is particularly attractive in autumn and winter.

Great for gardens it only retains its spiky leaves within the first ten feet of height in the tree as after this point it suffers no predation so has no need for a thorny defence.

Mature height: 3-7

Mature spread: 4-6m