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Ilex × altaclerensis ‘Golden King’

Holly 'Golden King'

Award Winner Low Maintenance Hardiness H6

Broad glossy leaves edged in golden yellow give Ilex × altaclerensis ‘Golden King’ year-round colour, followed by red berries on established female plants. This large evergreen holly suits hedging, screening and specimen planting and performs particularly well in mild or coastal gardens.
SKU: ILEX-162-Y
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Plant Details

Flowering Months

January, not a flowering month
February, not a flowering month
March, not a flowering month
April, not a flowering month
May, flowering month
June, flowering month
July, not a flowering month
August, not a flowering month
September, not a flowering month
October, not a flowering month
November, not a flowering month
December, not a flowering month

Size

Max Height
4.0 m — 8.0 m
Max Spread
2.5 m — 4.0 m
Growth Habit
Densely branched plant with compact, leafy, rounded overall shape.

Planting Position

Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
Full Sun
Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
North South East West
Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
Exposed / Sheltered
Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
Hardiness H6 (−20 to −15 °C) Very cold-hardy

Ideal Soil Conditions

Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
Moist but permeable / Free draining
Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Acid Alkaline Neutral

Plant Uses & Merits

Uses
  • Architectural
  • Coastal Areas
  • Hedging / Screening
Merits
  • Low Maintenance
  • RHS | Award Of Garden Merit

Ilex × altaclerensis ‘Golden King’ Description

Ilex × altaclerensis ‘Golden King’ is a vigorous evergreen holly with broad, relatively smooth-edged leaves marked by bright golden-yellow margins around deep green centres. Despite its name, it is a female cultivar and can produce red berries where a suitable male holly grows nearby. Mature plants can reach around 4 to 6 metres high and form a substantial dense shrub or small tree. Grow in full sun or partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil. It tolerates coastal air and milder exposed conditions better than many variegated evergreens, making it useful in Irish seaside gardens. Prune in late summer where size control is needed. The foliage and berries provide year-round ornamental value, although the berries should not be eaten.

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