Holly

Hollies include many deciduous and evergreen shrubs/trees grown for attractive foliage and bright berries. Also called inkberry, winterberry, yaupon.

About This Plant

Most have glossy, prickly foliage. Dioecious—male and female plants needed for berries on females. Evergreen and deciduous types; evergreens less hardy. Size 6–40 feet. Evergreens shear into formal hedges. Berries attract birds.

Special Features

• Evergreen
• 4-Season interest

Site Selection

Generally full sun to light shade, moist, well-drained soil. Some (inkberry Ilex glabra) adapted to wet areas. Most prefer slightly acidic soil; some (winterberry I. verticillata) need more acidity.

Planting Instructions

Spring or fall. Space 5–25 feet per mature size. Hole as deep as rootball, 2–3x wide. Poor soil: amend removed soil with little compost; else don't amend. Set plant, backfill halfway, water, drain, finish backfill, water.

Care

Spring: compost to dripline + 2-inch mulch (away from trunk). Water if rainfall <1 inch/week. Little pruning needed. Tolerate severe pruning for hedges/topiaries. Prune spring to optimize berry production.