The Holly (llex Aquifolium) is a slow growing evergreen hedge, so needs little maintenance. Its dense form and prickly leaves are good intruder deterrent. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from November to March. The scented flowers are dioecious, individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any plant, so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. The red/orange berries on pollinated female plants provide food for native bird throughout the winter.
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