Smooth leaved Common Holly

Ilex aquifolium J C Van Tol is a smooth-leaved cultivar of the popular European Holly, Ilex aquifolium. 

Also known as Smooth-leaved Common Holly, this self-fertile female clone won the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 2002.

As the name suggests, this cultivar of holly has glossy dark green leaves that are shiny and almost spineless. Small, white flowers appear in spring, followed by berries in autumn. 

Being self-pollinating, this cultivar will pollinate itself, producing a reliable and profuse display of red berries on purple stems each autumn. Ilex aquifolium J C Van Tol is a small tree at maturity, producing a crown with regular, pyramidal form. 

Like all Hollies, this evergreen will tolerate some shade and prefers to be planted in well-drained soil.

J C Van Tol is considered by Barcham to be one of the best green-leaved bush Hollies available; we grow them as feathered, small specimens to make the most of their pretty foliage, vigorous growth, and profuse berry display. 

It is perfect for small gardens, where it can be used for low screening or planted as a specimen in a border for year-round interest.

Mature Height: 3-7m

Common names

Smooth leaved Common Holly

Height of tree

3-7m

Tree type

Evergreen

Soil type

Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Pyramidal

Blossom Colour

White

Foliage Colour

Green

Information Flags

Award

Looks good in

Winter

Privacy

Screening from ground level

Location

Garden, Parkland

Genus

Ilex