The Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King', commonly known as Golden King Holly, is a compact, medium-si...The Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King', commonly known as Golden King Holly, is a compact, medium-sized evergreen shrub prized for its highly ornamental foliage that remains vibrant year-round. This variety, often called English Holly, is a female plant that produces striking red berries in autumn when pollinated by a male plant. It is a robust and hardy shrub, capable of thriving in most soil types and enduring coastal winds and urban pollution. The leaves of the Golden King Holly are glossy with distinctive grey-green centres mottled with bright golden-yellow margins. These spineless leaves offer attractive visual appeal throughout all seasons. While the flowers are inconspicuous, they are a rich source of nectar for bees. The berries, which appear in autumn and ripen to a bright red, add further ornamental value. This low-maintenance plant is suitable for gardens of all sizes, ideal for brightening dull corners, providing year-round colour and interest, screening, hedging, and enhancing mixed borders. It attracts insects, bees, butterflies, and provides winter food for birds. Pruning in late spring can involve removing misplaced, diseased, crossed, or dead branches, as well as any reverted foliage (all-yellow or all-green leaves).
This guide is for gardeners seeking to understand and care for the Ilex altaclerensis 'Golden King' (Golden King Holly), a beautiful evergreen shrub. The key benefit is its year-round visual appeal and low-maintenance nature, adding vibrant color and interest to any garden. A note of caution: ensure it's planted near a male holly for berry production.
All features
Model Part Number
9CM_ILEGOK_#1
Brand
Gardeners Dream
Extended Product Information
FAQs
How much sunlight does Golden King Holly need?
It thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable to various garden conditions.
When is the best time to prune Golden King Holly?
Prune in late spring after the risk of frost has passed to shape and remove any unwanted branches.
Does Golden King Holly require a lot of watering?
Water regularly, especially during the first growing season. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant.
How can I encourage berry production?
Plant a male holly nearby to ensure pollination. Berries are only produced on female plants after pollination.
What type of soil does Golden King Holly prefer?
It tolerates most soil types, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Is Golden King Holly suitable for hedging?
Yes, it is excellent for hedging due to its dense growth habit.
Does Golden King Holly attract wildlife?
Yes, it attracts insects, bees, butterflies, and provides winter food for birds.
Troubleshooting
Yellowing leaves
Check for overwatering or underwatering. Adjust watering schedule accordingly and ensure soil has good drainage.
Lack of berry production
Ensure a male holly is planted nearby for pollination. Berries are only produced on female plants that have been pollinated.
Slow growth
Check soil conditions and ensure adequate sunlight. Consider fertilizing with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Provides year-round visual interest with vibrant foliage.
Offers low-maintenance care requirements.
Attracts beneficial insects and birds.
Adaptable to various soil types and environmental conditions.
Suitable for a variety of garden applications, including hedging and screening.
Cons
Requires a male holly for berry production.
Berries may be a choking hazard for pets if ingested.
Pruning is needed to maintain shape and remove unwanted growth.
May not thrive in extremely shaded environments.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Planting: Choose a location with well-drained soil and consider the plant's mature size when spacing. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Soil: Golden King Holly tolerates most soil types, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Watering: Water regularly, especially during the first growing season, until established. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Pruning: Prune in late spring to remove misplaced, diseased, crossed, or dead branches. Also, remove any reverted foliage (all-yellow or all-green leaves) to maintain the desired appearance. Avoid heavy pruning in winter.
Compatibility: Suitable for planting with other shade-tolerant shrubs and perennials. Avoid planting near aggressive root systems that may compete for resources.