Holly obsession stopped in its tracks

I've become obsessed with hollies lately. I had my heart absolutely set on six or seven different varieties (some rare) to create a contrasting display for my front garden.
But my plans have been thwarted, as the hollies I wanted to purchase aren't available, and I don't think I'll find them anywhere else. I'm literally devastated. (Not that I'm prone to over-acting, at all).
Please, fellow gardeners, share my sorrow.

 

Where else have you tried? Could a supplier get them in for you?

 

I doubt it, Lea. I did ask my local family run nursery (technically a rose nursery, but they grow other specialist items too) if they could source some for me, and they could maybe get me a couple. But from what I can tell, some of the varieties I wanted seem very hard to come by. I've googled until I'm blue in the face, but I can't find anywhere else that sells them.

 

Why not tell us what you're looking for? Someone might know somewhere that you've missed.

 

......And adding to what Clueless has just posted, somebody here on GC may have what you are looking for and may be able to provide cuttings. A slow way of doing things regarding holly, but it's a start.

 

Have you looked at the NCCPG site http://www.nccpg.com Perhaps the holders of any national collection of Ilex may be able to help with suggestions for sourcing the plants you are looking for.

 

this may help
http://www.welsh-holly.co.uk/

 

I have no hollies, but I have this.................


Desfontiania spinosa.

 

Just to agree with what has been said, list what you're looking for you just never know, someone may point you in the right direction

I love hollies too and have grown a few different ones over the years

 

Heheh, what lovely people you lot are! ;-)
Is that the silver hedgehog, Armandii? I have that one - in fact, it started my holly obsession. ;-)

This was my shopping list:

Argentea Marginata
Bacciflava
Pyramidalis
Meserveae Blue Angel
Elegantissima

Some of them I can get locally (a couple are fairly standard), I was just optimistically hoping I could get them all in one place.
If all else fails, I can get the ones now that are currently available, and just bide my time until I can source the others... but you know how it is when you have your heart set on something! It will keep me awake at night until I find them! Welsh Holly might have them later in the year, but most aren't available at the moment. I'll try the nccpg website...

 

http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/ilex-aquifolium-argentea-marginata/classid.4010/
https://www.burncoose.co.uk/site/plants.cfm?pl_id=2323
http://www.jacksonsnurseries.co.uk/ilex-aquifolium-pyramidalis.html
http://www.burncoose.co.uk/site/plants.cfm?pl_id=2342
http://www.welsh-holly.co.uk/elegantissimahollytree.htm

Any good?

 

All except the Elegantissima (not currently available from Welsh Holly). I may just have to hold out for that one. :-)

 

How old do hollies need to be before they fruit?
I can find most of these (except Elegantissima) as seedlings, to keep costs down, and I do enjoy watching them grow. But I'm impatient for berries!