Holly Pollination Guide: Male & Female Plants for Berry Production

Hollies are dioecious—male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Only females produce berries, but they need pollen from a compatible male nearby. The good news? One male can pollinate several females, and some species cross-pollinate.

Pollination Basics

Most hollies require a male pollinator for fruit set. A few set parthenocarpic (seedless) berries without a male, but seeds will be sterile. The general rule: plant one male for every five females.

Species-Specific Pollinators

American Holly (Ilex opaca)

Wild males often provide pollen. If none within ¼ mile, plant 'Jersey Knight'.

English Holly (I. aquifolium)

Usually pollinated by American holly; 'Gold Coast' is a male cultivar.

Winterberry (I. verticillata)

Requires a male for good fruit. Options: 'Apollo', 'Raritan Chief', 'Jim Dandy', 'Southern Gentleman'.

Foster Holly (Ilex x attenuata 'Fosteri')

Often pollinated by American holly; 'Foster #4' is male.

Savannah Holly (Ilex x attenuata 'Savannah')

Also pollinated by American holly.

Possumhaw (I. decidua)

Usually pollinated by American holly; 'Red Escort' is male.

Burford Holly (I. cornuta 'Burfordii')

Parthenocarpic—sets berries without a pollinator.

Nellie R. Stevens (Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens')

Partially parthenocarpic; better fruit with 'Edward J. Stevens' nearby.

Yaupon (I. vomitoria)

Often gets enough pollen from unknown sources; 'Will Fleming' is male.

Winterberry Cultivar Pairings (from UConn)

• 'Afterglow', 'Aurantiaca', 'Red Sprite', 'Shaver', 'Stoplight' – early blooming; pollinate with 'Jim Dandy'.
• 'Winter Red', 'Winter Gold', 'Cacapon', 'Sparkleberry', 'Capapon' – late blooming; pollinate with 'Southern Gentleman'.
• 'Apollo' – late male for 'Sparkleberry' and 'Winter Red'.
• 'Raritan Chief' – long-flowering male for many deciduous hybrids.
• 'Bonfire' – early fruiting; use 'Apollo'.
• 'Harvest Red' – use 'Raritan Chief'.

holly berries