Ilex altaclarensis is a hybrid of Ilex aquifolium, with larger, less spiny leaves. 'Golden King' is a very colorful variety, stable, and a little more vigorous than the Ilex aquifolium types, while remaining well dense.
The plant tolerates a regular pruning (at least once a year) and can form compact hedges in difficult conditions (tolerates pollution or salted spray). The colors of the foliage are brighter in sunny exposure.
This female variety of Holly is vigorous but compact, its dark green varnished leaves are variegated with light green and margined with golden yellow. The red berries appear in autumn but are few.