Holly

Any day is festive in the landscape when holly is present to cheer with its shiny dark green or green-and-yellow-patterned leaves and red berries. It always looks fresh, and some species such as yaupon can handle difficult soils where drainage is a problem. Tall American and yaupon hollies form the ideal deer-resistant hedge. Hollies typically are either male or female, so plant a partner nearby to ensure a good crop of berries. Holly prefers well-drained, moist, and fertile soil. Summer is the right time to prune a holly hedge.

Light:

Sun,Part Sun

Zones:

3-10

Plant Type:

Tree,Shrub

Plant Height:

To 50 feet tall

Plant Width:

To 40 feet wide

Landscape Uses:

Containers,Beds & Borders,Privacy

Special Features:

Attractive Foliage,Winter Interest,Cut Flowers,Attracts Birds,Tolerates Wet Soil,Deer Resistant,Easy to Grow

Top Varieties

---

'Jersey Delight' holly

Ilex opaca 'Jersey Delight' is a female variety with bright red fruits. Plant with 'Jersey Knight' for fruit set. It grows 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide. Zones 5-9
view >

Winterberry

Ilex verticillata is a deciduous holly strung with big crops of bright red berries on winter-bare branches. It tolerates wet soil and is very hardy. It grows to 8 feet tall and wide. Zones 3-9
view >

'Winter Gold' holly

Ilex verticillata 'Winter Gold' shows off clusters of golden-yellow berries in late fall. The plant tolerates a wide variety of soils, though it does best in moist, well-drained ground. It can grow 8 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Zones 4-9
view >

Yaupon holly

Ilex vomitoria is native to North America and grows 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It tolerates wet soil well and is a top hedge variety. Zones 8-10
view >

Garden Plans

---

Colorful Front Entry Garden Plan

Propagation

---

Stem Cuttings