English Holly 'Argentea Marginata'

About this plant

Elevate your landscape with the timeless beauty of Ilex aquifolium 'Argentea Marginata', commonly known as English Holly 'Argentea Marginata'. This distinguished evergreen shrub boasts glossy, dark green leaves edged with a striking creamy-white margin, providing exceptional visual interest even in the depths of winter. Beyond its exquisite foliage, female plants proudly display clusters of bright red berries that persist through the colder months, offering a vibrant contrast to the variegated leaves and providing food for winter birds. Its upright, conical habit makes it a superb choice for a specimen plant, a formal hedge, or adding structured evergreen appeal to mixed borders. 'Argentea Marginata' is a slow to moderate grower, eventually forming a stately presence in the garden. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers partial shade to full sun, making it adaptable to various garden settings. This holly is a true garden classic, offering enduring beauty and a touch of traditional charm.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Requires minimal pruning to maintain shape or remove dead/damaged branches. Can be pruned more formally for hedges. Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Protect from harsh winter winds in exposed locations, especially when young.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.