Silver-margined holly A most attractively variegated form of the native holly, Ilex aquifolium Argentea Marginata is a medium-sized, evergreen tree or large shrub of bushy, conical habit, with smooth, grey bark. The spiny leaves are a deep, shiny green, edged with cream and flushed pink when young. It is a female cultivar, bearing small, off-white flowers in early summer, which, if pollinated by those of a male cultivar, are followed by bright red berries, which look wonderful against the variegated foliage. Excellent as a specimen and as hedging, and tolerates urban pollution. Good for pollinators, silver-margined holly holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastal exposureSoil: Any well drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeSeason of interest: All year, particularly autumn and early winterHardiness: Very hardyHeight: 18’ (6m) Spread: 18’ (6m) but very slow growing and can be pruned to stay at any height