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 a 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, depending on species

Plant Width:

To 40 feet wide, depending on species

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

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Jersey Delight American 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
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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
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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
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