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A mainstay of the British countryside, Ilex aquifolium (common holly) is unmistakable with its spiny leaves and red berries in winter. Meanwhile, the canary-yellow, variegated cultivar Ilex aquifolium ‘Flavescens’ (moonlight holly) brings warmth and brightness to any shady garden space, especially in combination with its bright red fruit.
The unmistakable spiny leaves of this cultivar start life yellow and then deepen to a dark green with canary-yellow and gold variegation. Some leaves become entirely golden, while others yellow only at the spiky ages.
Ilex aquifolium ‘Flavescens’ is a female holly and produces traditional red berries (or ‘drupes’) from late autumn through winter. It is late winter when the drupes are enjoyed by birds such as blackbirds and song thrushes.
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The moonlight holly is mainly used as an ornamental plant throughout Europe. Due to its excellent yellowy-gold foliage variegation, it is best planted in a shady spot to brighten up the area while showing off its colour.
The bright red berries of Ilex are an excellent source of food for birds during late winter. Traditionally, also, the berried foliage is taken into the house and used as a Christmas decoration.
