Hollies are popular plants, especially around the holidays when thoughts turn to decking the halls. If you decide to add a holly to your landscape, you’ll find a wide variety of types of holly to choose among. There are some types of holly plants that turn into large trees, some holly plant species that become large shrubs, and others that stay dwarf shrubs. Different types of holly come in many forms, from large trees to dwarf shrubs.

Even in the most common varieties, both male and female holly plants have shiny green leaves that make them look festive. Female plants produce bright berries like the boughs of holly associated with Christmas.

Festive Types of Holly

If you are looking for a holly tree that will add to the holiday spirit, consider these holly varieties. They range from great backyard trees to dwarf plants you could raise as houseplants.

1. Yaupon holly "Nana" (Ilex vomitoria)

Yaupon holly commonly grows as a small tree, but compact, dwarf cultivars are particularly interesting. Yaupon holly has small leaves with smooth margins and female trees bear red berries that are appealing to birds and last much of the winter. This species of holly tolerates almost any type of soil, including wet soil and poor soil.

The dwarf cultivar "Nana" is a mounding plant, growing to 3 – 5 feet tall (1 – 2.3 m) and very broad. Native to the East Coast from Long Island, New York to central Florida and west to Texas, in South Carolina it grows into a small evergreen tree, 3 to 15 feet (.9 to 4.5 m) tall and 3 to 10 feet (.9 to 3 m) wide. Female plants produce small red berries in large clusters. New growth has a purplish tinge, which turns dark green. Yaupon Holly tolerates wind and hot climates better than most evergreen hollies.

2. Longstalk Holly (Ilex pedunculosa)

Longstalk holly is a winner! It was voted Holly of the Year for 2013 by the Holly Society of America. This holly species is a slow‐growing and hardy evergreen with attractive, smooth-edged leaves. Female plants grow red berries on long, drooping stalks that develop from small, fragrant flowers. They provided food for birds in winter.

This holly naturally takes the shape of a small tree, but it can be pruned into a dense broad shrub. Extremely cold-hardy, these hollies do not do well in hot climates.

3. Osmanthus heterophyllus "Goshiki"

"Goshiki" is a landscape plant also-called false holly. It is not in the “Ilex” genus, but it looks like a holly. This dense, evergreen grows in a pyramid shape, and its holly-like foliage is green with gorgeous gold/cream variegation. When new foliage grows in, it is a rich shade of red-bronze. Goshiki is hardy in USDA zones 6-9 and grows happily in sun or part shade. After 10 years, it can grow to 10 feet tall (3.3 m) by 8 feet (2.6 m) wide.

4. Ilex Glabra "Shamrock"

Ilex glabra is also called inkberry or gallberry. This is an upright, rounded evergreen holly that grows to 8 feet (2.6m) and can form colonies with its root suckers. The leaves are glossy and dark green with smooth margins and remain attractive in winter. The flowers – green-white- appear in spring on female trees. When pollinated, the flowers develop into black berries in early autumn. They can last through winter and serve as food for local birds.

With its dense, lustrous foliate, "Shamrock" is among the most popular cultivars of this workhorse species. It is also very cold-tolerant. "Shamrock" requires little maintenance and tops out at 4 feet (1.3m) tall and is virtually pest-free. It is a landscaper's dream.

5. Honey Maid Holly (Ilex x meserveae "Honey Maid")

Honey Maid Holly is an utterly superb holly shrub, and its bright winter berries and variegated foliage add winter interest to your garden. The leaves of this holly species are spiky and green with yellow margins. It"s a female variety and – as long as you have a male tree nearby – it will produce glossy bright red berries in winter adding a real visual impact.

This cultivar naturally grows in an attractive pyramidal shape, some 12–15 feet (3-4m) tall in USDA zones 5-8. Its tiny white spring flowers attract pollinators, making it an appealing year-round shrub that offers a great landscape.

6. Ilex Glabra "Densa"

Another cultivar of the inkberry holly, the "Densa" cultivar is a dense, rounded shrub with small, glossy, dark green leaves. "Densa" usually grows to some 4 feet (1.3m) tall and wide but can sometimes grow bigger.

Tough and durable, this broadleaf evergreen holly is an outstanding plant, lovely to look at, and easy to grow, tolerating almost any soil type and exposure. It provides cover all year long for a variety of native bird species. At the same time, the blackberries offer the birds an excellent food source for the birds.

Frequently Asked Questions

The shiny green leaves and bright red berries of holly (Ilex spp.) are nature’s own holiday décor. We know a lot about decking the halls with holly, but how about holly as a houseplant? Can you grow holly indoors? Growing holly inside is definitely an option, although a few special rules and procedures apply. Read on for the whole scoop.

Can You Grow Holly Indoors?

Holly as a houseplant is an intriguing idea, especially around the holidays. The easiest and fastest way to accomplish this is to purchase a potted plant at the garden store. These plants are already used to growing indoors so will be right at home in your house.

You may be able to find English holly (Ilex aquifolium), a popular plant in Europe. However, you are more likely to come across native American holly (Ilex opaca). Both are woody plants with glossy green leaves and red berries.

Growing Holly Inside

If you are a DIY type, you may prefer to create your own holly plant from seeds or cuttings. When growing holly indoors though, it’s best not to try to propagate holly from seeds, since these can prove difficult to germinate. It can take many years for a seeding to sprout.

How about a cutting? You can find plants at a greenhouse or plant nursery that are used to indoor heating, obtain a cutting and try to root it in water. However, you aren’t likely to get those festive berries. Holly plants are either male or female and you’ll need both to get berries, plus pollinator insects. That’s why your best bet is purchasing a plant already with berries.

Indoor Holly Care

Once you have your holly houseplant, you’ll need to learn about indoor holly care. The best placement for growing holly indoors is in a sunporch or a room with a sunny bay window. Holly requires some sun.

Keep the soil just moist. Don’t let it dry out or get soggy. You’ll be able to decorate the little holly tree at Christmas time. The rest of the year, just treat it like a houseplant.

If you're looking for an interesting species of tree for your landscaping needs, consider dahoon holly trees (Ilex cassine). This native holly species typically stays under 30 feet (9 m.) in height when used as a landscape tree. It has a moderate growth rate and at maximum height it will reach about a 12 to 15 foot (4-4.5 m.) spread.

At this size, dahoon holly trees are big enough to provide an attractive amount of shade, but not so big they take over the yard or totally hide the front of the house. Additionally, when grown in pairs (one male and one female), dahoon hollies produce an abundance of red berries that adorn the branches in fall and winter. These berries provide food for wildlife and will attract various bird species and squirrels.

Where to Plant Dahoon Holly

Dahoon holly trees, also known as cassena, are warm climate evergreens and are hardy in USDA zones 7 to 11. They are native to North American swamplands and bogs and thrive in moist soils. Once established, they are tolerant of drier conditions but tend to stay smaller in stature.

Due to its moderate size and tolerance of salt spray, the dahoon holly makes excellent specimen trees for planting around parking lots, in highway median strips, and alongside residential streets and sidewalks. The dahoon holly has been very adaptable of urban settings and can endure the air pollution commonly found in cities.

How to Plant Dahoon Holly

Dahoon holly trees prefer full sun, but easily adapts to partial shady locations. They grow well in a variety of soil types including clay, loamy, or sandy conditions. Homeowners should locate underground utilities before digging. Consideration should be given to the overall height and width of the mature tree when selecting a location near buildings, other trees, and overhead power lines.

When planting dahoon holly trees, dig a hole the depth of its container or root ball, but two to three times as wide. Carefully remove the tree from the container and gently set it in the hole. Backfill the hole with native soil, ensuring the base of the tree is slightly above ground level. Firmly pack the soil as you go to prevent air pockets.

Thoroughly water the tree and continue to regularly provide water for the first year. Applying a 2 to 3 inch (5-8 cm.) layer of mulch will help the soil retain moisture.

Dahoon Holly Care

Dahoon holly care is fairly straightforward. Once established, they require very little maintenance pruning. Their branches are resistant to breakage and, as an evergreen species, there are no autumn leaves to clean up. Additionally, the berries remain on the tree and don’t create a litter issue.

Dahoon holly information indicates this species has few issues with pests or diseases. It’s also not known to be susceptible to verticillium wilt. Overall, it you’re looking for a low maintenance moderately-sized tree that’s beneficial to wildlife, the dahoon holly might meet your needs.

Hollies are tough evergreens that can survive punishing cold as far north as USDA plant hardiness zone 5, but that doesn’t mean they are impervious to damage from winter sunlight, freezing temperatures, and drying winds. Winterizing holly properly can make the all the difference, and it isn’t difficult. Read on to learn about caring for holly in winter.

How to Winterize a Holly

Desiccation occurs when moisture is lost faster than it can be absorbed, usually due to harsh winter winds, sunlight, and long periods of cold, dry weather. It is most likely to occur to young hollies during the first couple of winters. You can apply holly winter protection in the form of an anti-desiccant but follow directions closely because applying the products too early can cause more harm than good. In fact, some experts think anti-desiccant products are useless. If you decide to give the products a try, spray holly in late fall or early winter when the plant is completely dormant. Choose a day when temperatures are between 40 and 50 degrees F. (4-10 C.), preferably when no rainfall is expected in the immediate future. You may want to consider wrapping your plants too for further protection. Construct a wind barrier to protect hollies from harsh winds and sunscald. Install three wooden stakes around the holly, then wrap burlap around the stakes. Leave the top open and leave an opening for air to circulate around the tree but be sure the burlap protects the holly from prevailing winds. Don’t place the burlap so close that it can rub against the foliage.

Additional Holly Winter Care

Winterizing holly begins with suitable care. The following tips will help: Surround the holly with a thick layer of mulch extending out to the drip line but leave a 2 to 3 inch (5-8 cm.) span of bare ground around the trunk. Mulch mounded against the trunk can cause rot and may also encourage rodents and other animals to chew on the bark. (If this is a serious problem, wrap hardware cloth around the trunk.) Water hollies well into fall to ensure the plant is well-hydrated going into winter. Cut back normal watering slightly in early fall to allow the holly to harden off, then provide plenty of water from late fall until the ground freezes. However, don’t create undue stress by overwatering to the point of sogginess. Water the tree during the winter if you notice shriveling or other signs of winter damage. If your hose is frozen, use a watering can and apply just enough water to thaw the ground. The holly will be able to draw moisture through the roots.

Holly is a great evergreen shrub that adds winter green, interesting texture, and beautiful red berries to the garden. But did you know that there is a low growing holly? You can grow prostrate holly to fill in spaces where a normal-sized shrub would be too big.

Prostrate Holly Info

Low growing holly is known as prostrate holly, Ilex rugosa, and tsuru holly. The plant is native to Japan and eastern Russia, and has adapted to growing in harsh winter conditions. In its native ecosystem, prostrate holly grows on mountain slopes. The higher up it is, the lower to the ground its growth will be. The leaves of prostrate holly are narrower than other types of holly. They are oval and oblong in shape and are bright green in color. They have a very unique texture: wrinkled and yet glossy. As with other hollies, this one produces bright red berries after the small flowers bloom on the female plants. Prostrate holly was first cultivated in the 1890s but it is still rare in the U.S.

How to Grow Ilex Rugosa

Growing prostrate holly is not difficult; the challenge may come in finding one. While not very common outside of its native range, a search online should turn up a nursery that can send you this shrub. Be sure you get at least one male and one female plant. Prostrate holly is hardy to zone 5, but avoid using it in warm climates. It may not tolerate too much heat or dry weather. Prostrate holly care is mostly hands-off once established, and even this is easy. Give your holly bush a spot that offers some sun and some shade and well-drained soil. Once in the ground, water the bushes every few days, and throughout the summer if you planted in the spring. Use a balanced fertilizer one a year and water only during droughts. You can prune your shrubs to give them a nice shape, but a lot of trimming is not necessary. Protection from cold winter weather shouldn’t be needed either, as this is a winter-hardy shrub used to tough conditions.

English holly plants (Ilex aquifolium) are the quintessential hollies, short broadleaf evergreen trees with dense, dark-green glossy leaves. Females produce bright berries. If you are interested in growing English hollies or just want a few more English holly facts, read on. You’ll also find some tips on English holly plant care.

English Holly Facts

English holly plants are found primarily in Europe. The lovely trees are common throughout Britain, where you can find entire forests of them. You can also find them in western and southern Europe and western Asia. These hollies can be identified as either large shrubs or else small trees. The typical height of English holly plants is only 10 to 40 feet (3 to 12 m.). The deeply lobed leaves are the primary joy for those growing English hollies. They grow in densely, a deep, shiny green. Look out, though. You’ll find spines around the edges. Berries are also a big attraction of the tree. All female English holly plants produce fragrant flowers in early summer. These develop into bright berries in red, orange, yellow and white. Red is the most common shade. These holly plants also boast beautifully smooth bark that is often ash-colored or black.

How to Grow English Holly

Although English holly plants are native to Europe, they are cultivated in forests, parks, gardens and plains around the globe. English holly grows in several of the American states. These include California, Oregon, Hawaii, and Washington. How to grow English holly? First, check your climate and region. English holly plants thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 8. If you are in one of those zones, you can go ahead. Plant hollies in full sun or partial sun but remember that they do not tolerate extreme heat very well. In hotter climates, a partial shade location will be better. These plants absolutely require well-draining soil, so don’t disappoint them. They may not make it through one season if they are planted in wet soil. English holly plant care isn’t difficult if you site the tree correctly.

Hollies are wonderful and attractive plants to have around, especially for the bright color they provide in the drab winter months, so it can be upsetting to look a little closer than usual and find little white spots all over the leaves. This is a relatively common occurrence and, luckily, it’s easily diagnosable and treatable. Keep reading to learn more about what causes white holly spots and how to deal with white spots on holly leaves.

Why Does My Holly Have Spots on its Leaves?

White spots on holly leaves can almost always be chalked up to one of two things – scale or mites. Both are tiny pests that stab into the leaves of the plant and suck out its juices. If you have a scale infestation, the white spots will be slightly raised and conical in shape - this is the shell that protects the tiny creature underneath. Scrape a fingernail against one of these spots and you should see a little brown smear. If you have spider mites, the white spots you’re seeing are their eggs and cast-off skins. Spider mite infestations are sometimes accompanied by webbing. There’s a chance you also have southern red mites, a common problem with holly plants. While these mites are red as adults, their larvae are white and can appear as little spots on leaves. Also known as “cold weather mites,” these pests tend to appear in autumn and winter.

How to Get Rid of Holly Scale and Mites

Both of these pests are a favorite food of certain beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps. Sometimes, just moving the plant outdoors where these insects can get to it is enough. If this isn’t possible, or if the plant is already outside, then neem oil is an effective and safe treatment. If your scale infestation is small, you should be able to wipe it away with a damp cloth. If the scale infestation is severe, however, you may have to prune away the leaves that are the most affected.

You don’t have to travel abroad to admire Chinese holly plants (Ilex cornuta). These broadleaf evergreens thrive in gardens in the American southeast, producing the classic shiny leaves and berries beloved by wild birds. If you want to know the ins and outs of caring for Chinese hollies, read on.

About Chinese Holly Plants

Chinese holly plants can be grown as large shrubs or small trees up to 25 feet (8 m.) tall. They are broadleaf evergreens with the same, glossy green foliage so typical of hollies. Those growing Chinese holly know that the leaves are rather rectangular, about 4 inches (10 cm.) long with large spines. Blossoms are a dull greenish white hue. They are not showy but offer a whopping fragrance. Like other hollies, Chinese holly plants bear red drupes as fruit. These berry-like drupes stick on the tree branches well into winter and are very decorative. The drupes also provide much needed nutrition for birds and other wildlife during the cold season. The dense foliage is excellent for nesting. Wild birds that appreciate this shrub include wild turkey, northern bobwhite, mourning dove, cedar waxwing, American goldfinch, and northern cardinal.

How to Grow Chinese Holly

Chinese holly care starts with correct planting. If you are wondering how to grow Chinese holly, you’ll do best to plant it in moist soil with excellent drainage. It is happy in full sun or partial sun, but also tolerates shade. Growing Chinese holly is easiest in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 9. These are the recommended zones. You’ll find that Chinese holly care doesn’t require much time or effort. The plants need an occasional deep watering in dry periods, but they are generally both drought resistant and heat tolerant. In fact, growing Chinese holly is so easy that the shrub is considered invasive in some areas. These include parts of Kentucky, North Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi. Pruning is another important part of Chinese holly care. Left to its own devises, Chinese holly plants will take over your backyard and garden. Heavy trimming is the ticket to controlling them.

Hollies are a group of glossy leaved plants with an excellent tolerance to shearing and bright berries. Oak Leaf holly (Ilex x “Conaf”) is a hybrid in the Red Holly series. It has outstanding potential as a standalone specimen or massed with others of its kind in a glorious hedge. According to Oak Leaf holly information, it was originally patented under the name 'Conaf' but the name was changed for marketing purposes. Read a bit further for help on growing Oak Leaf hollies and tips on their care.

Oak Leaf Holly Information

The Red Holly Series of cultivars feature bronze to burgundy new leaf growth. This characteristic, combined with their attractive form, makes the plants excellent ornamental specimens for the landscape. Oak Leaf is a member of the series introduction and has become a popular and easy-to-grow plant. This large shrub to small tree is self-pollinating, resulting in orange-red, pea-sized berries. To answer the question, "what is Oak Leaf holly," we need to understand where it came from. The plant came from an open cross and it is not sure who the parent plant might be; however, it was selected to become part of the Red Series by nurseryman Jack Magee in the mid-1990s. The highlight of the Red Series was the beautifully colored new growth. In Oak Leaf holly's case, the plant is also a hermaphrodite and does not need a male plant to set the glossy fruits. It can reach 14 to 20 feet (4 to 6 m.) and about half as wide, forming a lovely conical to pyramid shaped plant. Leaves are shiny with 3 to 5 serrated margins. Berries are ornamental but also attractive to birds as food.

How to Grow an Oak Leaf Holly

Oak Leaf holly needs full to partial sun in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. The holly tolerates almost any soil type as well as periods of drought. Keep the soil moist but not boggy. Infrequent, deep watering promotes a healthy root system. It is moderately cold hardy and may be grown in United States Department of Agriculture zones 6 to 9 but provide protection from strong wind. Hollies rarely need feeding. A balanced food or acid lover formula applied once in early spring is sufficient. The plant looks simply amazing when used in a hedge and responds well to frequent shearing. Growing Oak Leaf hollies in a group provides evergreen elegance combined with privacy hedge sharp leaves.

Additional Oak Leaf Holly Care

Hollies are stoic plants that are not bothered by much of anything. Oak Leaf holly has some sensitivity to several fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spots. Combat with a registered fungicide. In soils with high pH, conditions such as chlorosis may occur. Add sulfur to soils that are high in pH to lower it and correct the condition. Pests are not much of a problem. You may find scale, whiteflies, spider mites and holly leaf miner. Insecticidal soaps or Neem oil are useful natural controls. Leaf drop and leaf scorch may occur where the plant is exposed to southern light or incorrect watering or fertilizing practices are used. For the most part, these hollies are fun plants in the landscape. You can leave them alone and enjoy their natural form, or shear them heavily into imaginative forms or professional hedges.

How happy the holly tree looks, and how strong, Where he stands like a sentinel all the year long. Neither dry summer heat nor cold winter hail, Can make that gay warrior tremble or quail. He has beamed all the year, but bright scarlet he’ll glow, When the ground glitters white with the fresh fallen snow. In her poem, The Holly, Edith L.M. King perfectly describes the traits we love in holly plants. Holly’s deep, evergreen foliage and bright red berries are sometimes the only sign of life in the winter landscape. Commonly associated with Christmas, everyone knows of holly’s winter appeal. However, you may wonder does holly bloom or what other interest does holly have in the garden? Continue reading to learn more about holly fruiting and flowering times.

Holly Fruiting Schedule

The serrated evergreen foliage and red berries of holly plants have been used as Christmas decorations for centuries because they are one of the few plants that are available and looking alive in December. Female holly plant berries begin to ripen and turn red in autumn. The berries then persist throughout winter, but birds and squirrels do sometimes eat them. It’s important to note that raw holly berries are toxic to humans. Only female holly plants produce berries, though, and they will only produce fruits if they have been cross pollinated by a nearby male plant. It is recommended that there be one male plant for every three female holly plants in the garden. The male and female plants do not have to be right next to each other to cross pollinate because bees usually pollinate the plants, but it is recommended that the male plants be within 50 feet (15 m.) of the females. If you have only one holly plant and have wondered “when will my holly produce berries,” it probably will not fruit until you get it a plant to cross pollinate with.

When Does Holly Bloom and Fruit?

Holly plants bloom in spring to early summer, depending on climate. The flowers can be small, inconspicuous, short-lived, and easily missed. These flowers are generally white when open, but can have greenish, yellowish, or pinkish hues. Male flowers form in tight clusters and have yellow stamens in their centers. Male holly flowers are loaded with pollen and attract many pollinators to the garden. Female holly plants can form singularly or in clusters, depending on variety. In the center of female holly flowers, there is a small, green, ball shaped fruit that, if pollinated, will become the red berries that holly plants are famous for.

Everyone is familiar with holly, the plant with shiny leaves and red berries that you use to deck the halls at Christmas. What is a possumhaw holly? It is a kind of deciduous holly native to North America. Keep reading for more possumhaw holly information. We’ll give you some tips about how to grow possumhaw hollies and possumhaw holly care.

What is a Possumhaw Holly?

Generally, holly (Ilex) species are evergreen, holding onto their shiny green leaves all year. Possumhaw holly (Ilex decidua), however, is a type of holly that loses its leaves every winter. Possumhaw holly can grow to a tree some 20 feet (6 m.) high, but it often is grown as a shorter, clumping shrub. As a shrub or small tree, possumhaws can be useful and ornamental. These small holly trees generally produce a number of thin trunks or stems. They grow in thick clumps that can serve as a screen or hedge. When you are thinking about growing deciduous holly, make sure most of your plants are females. Although they are not very showy in summer, female holly plants are exceptional in fall and winter. Additionally, when you are growing deciduous holly, you’ll find that all of the leaves fall in autumn. It is after that point that the holly’s beautiful berries are clearly visible. They hold their red, orange, or yellow fruit well into the winter unless they are eaten by wild birds.

How to Grow Possumhaw Holly

It isn’t difficult to grow possumhaw holly. The plant thrives in the USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9a. This includes both coasts and the southern half of the nation. Possumhaw holly care starts when you plant the holly tree. Position it in full sun or partial shade. If you want a taller plant, choose a shady site, but full sun gives you better and more abundant fruit. When you are growing deciduous holly, possumhaw holly care is easier if you plant the tree in well-drained, moist soil. It will be fine in either acidic or alkaline soil and can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions. These hollies work well as plants in wet areas.

Holly plants can start out as small, dainty little shrubs, but depending on type, they can reach heights from 8 to 40 feet (2-12 m.). With some holly types having a growth rate of 12-24 inches (30-61 cm.) per year, finding companion plants for growing holly bushes can be a challenge. With preferences of slightly acidic, moist soils in partly shaded locations, planting under holly bushes that are more established can also be a challenge. Continue reading to learn more about planting under holly bushes.

About Holly Companions

The three commonly grown types of holly are American holly (Ilex opaca), English holly (Ilex aquifolium), and Chinese colly (Ilex cornuta). All three are evergreens that will grow in partially shaded locations.

• American holly is hardy in zones 5-9, can grow 40-50 feet (12-15 m.) tall and 18-40 feet (6-12 m.) wide.
• English holly is hardy in zones 3-7 and can grow 15-30 feet (5-9 m.) tall and wide.
• Chinese holly is hardy in zones 7-9 and grows 8-15 feet (2-5 m.) tall and wide.

A few common holly companions for planting next to the shrubs include boxwood, viburnum, clematis, hydrangea, and rhododendrons.

What Can I Grow Underneath a Holly Bush?

Because holly plants are usually planted small, but eventually grow very large, many gardeners use annual plantings under holly bushes. This prevents having to dig up and move perennials or shrubs, as they holly plants grow larger. Annuals also work well as underplantings for container grown holly shrubs. Some annual holly companions include:

• Impatiens
• Geraniums
• Torenia
• Begonia
• Coleus
• Hypoestes
• Inch Plant
• Lobelia
• Browallia
• Pansy
• Cleome
• Snapdragons

Planting under holly bushes that are more established is much easier than planting under young holly bushes. Many gardeners even like to limb up large hollies, so that they grow more in the form of a tree. Left natural, holly plants will mature into a classic evergreen conical shape. Some common perennial holly companions are:

• Bleeding heart
• Dianthus
• Creeping phlox
• Hosta
• Periwinkle
• Sweet woodruff
• Creeping wintergreen
• Lamium
• Cyclamen
• Daylily
• Ivy
• Jacob’s ladder
• Turtlehead
• Cranesbill
• Coral bells
• Viola
• Painted ferns
• Hellebore
• Epimedium
• Hepatica
• Japanese anemone
• Spiderwort

Low growing shrubs such as gold or blue junipers, cotoneaster, and Moon Shadow euonymus provide a nice contrast to the dark green foliage of holly plants.

If you like holly trees or shrubs, you might like blue holly. What is blue holly? Blue holly, also known as Meserve holly, is a hardy hybrid holly with shiny, blue-green evergreen leaves. For more Meserve holly information and tips on growing Meserve blue hollies, read on.

What is Blue Holly?

So exactly what is blue holly? According to Meserve holly information, blue or Meserve holly (Ilex x meserveae) is a holly hybrid developed by Mrs. F. Leighton Meserve. Her intent was to develop a cold hardy holly with attractive leaves. Mrs. Meserve crossed a type of holly with excellent cold hardiness with a holly species that was less cold hardy but has beautiful, shiny foliage. The resulting hybrids are termed blue holly and include a variety of cultivars with gorgeous blue-green leaves. These include:

• 'Blue Angel'
• 'Blue Boy'
• 'Blue Girl'
• 'Blue Prince’
• ‘Blue Princess'

Each has its own shape, height, and hardiness. Cultivars ‘Blue Prince’ and ‘Blue Princess’ take the hardiness cake since they are hardy down to -20 degrees F. (-29 C.). Blue hollies produce the same shiny red berries that other hollies offer. The berries grow in a pale green color, but they deepen into crimson (or, less often, yellow) as they mature.

How to Grow Meserve Holly

If you are wondering how to grow Meserve holly, keep reading. Growing Meserve blue hollies isn’t difficult if you site the plants correctly. In fact, they are easy-care, low maintenance plants in your garden. Plant blue holly in moist, well-drained soil. The plants do best in soil that is slightly acidic and in a full sun or partial sun site. Blue holly trees thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. If you want your trees to bear the bright berries, be sure to plant some male plants near female plants. Generally, experts recommend planting one male to every three to five females. All hollies bear male and female flowers on separate plants. Both types of trees are required for the females to produce fruit.

Blue Holly Shrub Care

When you are growing Meserve blue hollies, blue holly shrub care becomes important. Your first step toward caring for your trees is siting them correctly. Another element of blue holly shrub care is to protect the trees from winter foliage burn. You can do this by avoiding south or west-facing exposed planting sites. This also helps prevent summer heat stress. Don’t prune your hollies too often. Any pruning should be modest and not too late in the season. If you prune blue hollies too late as you attempt blue holly shrub care, you will remove the floral buds for the following season.

It’s springtime and your otherwise healthy holly shrub develops yellowing leaves. The leaves soon begin dropping off. Is there a problem or is your plant okay? The answer depends on where and how the yellowing and leaf drop occurs.

About Holly Spring Leaf Loss

Holly leaf loss in spring is normal if the older leaves (those closer to the shrub’s interior) turn yellow and then shed from the plant, while newer leaves (those closer to the tips of the branches) stay green. You should still see green leaves on the exterior of the shrub even if the interior is thinning out. While it may appear alarming, this is normal holly behavior. Also, normal holly spring leaf loss occurs in one “batch” and only in the spring. If the yellowing or leaf loss continues into summertime or begins at other times of year, something is wrong.

Why Does Holly Lose Leaves in Spring?

Holly shrubs normally shed some leaves each spring. They grow new leaves and discard the older leaves when they are no longer needed. Loss of older leaves to make room for the new season’s growth is common among many evergreens, including both broadleaf and coniferous trees and shrubs. If a plant is stressed, it may shed more leaves than usual during its annual leaf drop, creating an unattractive appearance. To prevent this, be sure to give your holly shrubs the conditions they need. Ensure they are planted in well-drained soil, provide water during droughts, and do not overfertilize.

Causes of Unhealthy Leaf Drop in Hollies

Spring leaf drop in holly can signal a problem if it does not follow the normal pattern described above. Leaf yellowing and loss at other times of year should also make you suspect that something is wrong. The following are possible causes: Watering problems: Lack of water, excessive water, or poor drainage can cause leaves to yellow and fall off. This can happen at any time of year. Disease: Holly leaf spot caused by Coniothyrium ilicinum, Phacidium species, or other fungi can cause yellowish brown or black spots to appear on leaves, and serious infestations can cause springtime leaf drop. These fungi primarily attack older leaves. However, the roundish or irregularly shaped spots will appear different from the yellowing that occurs during normal leaf drop, which usually affects the entire leaf. It is important to recognize the difference so you can take measures to control the disease, such as cleaning up fallen leaves with signs of infection to prevent spread of the disease. Winter weather: Injury from winter weather often appears on one side or section of the plant, and the outer leaves (near the tips of branches) may be most affected-- the opposite pattern from what you would see with normal spring leaf drop in holly. Even though the damage occurs in winter, browning might not show up on hollies until spring.

Holly plants provide glossy, deeply cut leaves and brightly colored fruit year-round. Their ease of care makes them popular choices for gardeners in temperate to warm ranges. Growing Nellie Stevens holly trees provides you with one of the fastest growing of the hollies with branches packed with berries. The Nellie Stevens holly plant is a hybrid of Ilex cornuta and Ilex aquifolium. It has an interesting back story and an even more interesting growth form.

Nellie Stevens Holly Plant Info

Hollies are timeless classics that make a large impact on the landscape with very little special care required. These easy-to-grow plants provide cover and food for birds and natural holiday décor for the home. Nellie Stevens is a happy accident between a Chinese holly and an English holly. It was grown from berries filched by Nellie Stevens in the early 1900s. The resulting plant was almost removed in a home remodel in 1952 but was subsequently saved. Among this plant’s many attributes is its natural pyramidal form. It can grow up to 25 feet (8 m.) when mature and is one of the heaviest bearings of the hollies. Leaves are 2.5 inches (5 cm.) long with five to six deep teeth on each side and glossy green coloring. Much of the fruit seems to set without a male – Edward J. Stevens is the name for the male plant in the species – plant's intervention (parthenocarpic) and numerous pea-sized, red berries appear in fall. These plants are dense and make a nice screen and can be grown as either multi-stemmed or single stemmed plants. The plant was finally discovered by Nellie Steven's niece who took seeds to the Holly Society annual meeting for identification. The plant couldn't be identified, and a new species was named.

How to Grow Nellie Stevens Holly

This holly is very adaptable to either full sun or partial shade locations. It is resistant to deer and rabbits and will develop drought tolerance with maturity. The tree even thrives in poor soil and doesn't mind mild neglect, though plants prefer slightly acidic well-drained soil. Nellie Stevens is suitable for gardens in USDA zones 6 to 9. It is a fast-growing plant and useful as screen due to its thick foliage. Space plants 6 feet (2 m.) away when growing Nellie Stevens holly trees for a hedge effect. This holly is also remarkably resistant to most pests and diseases with the occasional exception of scale.

Nellie Stevens Holly Care

This has become a popular plant in cultivation since its introduction. This is partly because Nellie Stevens holly care is minimal, and the plant is resistant to a host of bothersome conditions and pests. Many gardeners may wonder, "Are Nelly Stevens berries poisonous?" Berries and leaves can be dangerous to small children and pets, so some caution should be used. Fortunately, the plant takes to shearing quite well and, although it forms a lovely shape naturally, pruning can help minimize berries at the lower heights. The best pruning time is early spring before new growth emerges. Most plants do not need regular fertilizing, but optimum health can be maintained with a granular slow-release food of a 10-10-10 ratio.

Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata) is a slow-growing holly bush variety, native to North America. It usually grows in damp areas like swamps, thickets and along rivers and ponds. It gets its name from the Christmas-red berries that develop from fertilized flowers and stay on the bare bush stems much of the winter. For winterberry holly information, including notes on how to grow winterberry holly, read on.

Winterberry Holly Information

Winterberry holly is a medium sized bush, growing no taller than 15 feet (4.5 m.). The bark is smooth and attractive, gray to black, while the crown is upright and spreading. The branches are slender and grow quite thick in a zigzag pattern. When you read up on winterberry holly information, you learn that the shrubs are deciduous, with leaves up to 4 inches (10 cm.) long. The leaves are dark green in the summer, turning yellow in autumn, and falling off entirely by October. Even if you are already growing winterberry holly, you’ll have to look closely to see the small, greenish flowers that appear in spring. But it’s easy to glimpse the many bright red berries that deck the winterberry holly bows from late summer deep into winter. Each berry holds three to five tiny seeds.

How to Grow Winterberry Holly

If you are growing winterberry holly or thinking of doing so, you’ll be happy to learn that the shrub is easy to grow. Winterberry care is also simple if you plant the bush in an appropriate area. When you want to know how to grow winterberry holly, remember that the shrub should be planted in acidic, moist soil in an area with some sun. Although holly will grow in most soils, caring for winterberry holly shrubs is easiest when you plant them in organic loam. Winterberry holly care does not require a male and a female plant, but you’ll need at least one of each in the vicinity if you want the signature red berries. Only fertilized female flowers will produce berries. One male winterberry plant produces adequate pollen for up to 10 female plants. Pruning is not an essential part of caring for winterberry holly shrubs. However, if you have these spreading bushes in the backyard, you may wish to trim them into shape in spring before new growth appears.

Most of us are familiar with holly shrubs in the landscape and growing American holly trees (Ilex opaca) is a relatively easy endeavor. Read on to learn more about this holly species.

American Holly Information

These attractive, broad-leaf evergreen trees grow 15 to 50 feet (5-15 m.) tall. They are pyramidal in shape and are known for their striking red berries and deep green, leathery leaves with sharp points. American holly trees are terrific landscape plants. They are great for habitat too. The dense foliage provides cover for small critters and the berries provide food for many birds.

The most important note of American holly information is that these trees are dioecious, meaning these plants are either male or female. It is the female that produces the red berries. It typically takes five years or more to tell if you have a female. If you want the red berries (and most of us do), you need to buy an identified female from a nursery or plant at least four or five of them to increase your odds.

Growing American Holly Trees

American holly planting is easy as long as you choose containerized or balled and burlapped specimens. Do not plant bareroot trees. They usually fail. American holly trees can take all types of soil but prefer slightly acidic, good-draining, sandy soil.

American holly trees perform well in shade and full sun but prefer partial sun. These trees like regular and even moisture but they can also tolerate some flooding, occasional drought, and ocean salt spray. These are tough trees!

How to Care for American Holly

If you are wondering about American holly tree care, there really isn’t much to do. Make sure you plant them in an area that is protected from harsh, drying, winter winds. Keep their soil moist. Prune them only if they form irregular branches or if you want to shear them into a hedge. They do not succumb to many pests or diseases. They are somewhat slow growing at 12 to 24 inches (31-61 cm.) per year. So be patient. It is worth the wait!

By Teo Spengler If you are looking to plant an easy-care hedge in a mild region, Japanese holly can work well. These pretty evergreen shrubs have small green leaves, shiny and spineless, and require very little maintenance. It's easy to learn how to care for Japanese holly if you plant it in the right hardiness zone in an appropriate garden location. Read on to find out everything you need to know about growing Japanese holly shrubs.

Japanese Holly Plants

Japanese holly plants (Ilex crenata) grow into dense, rounded bushes between 3 and 10 feet (1-3 m.) tall and wide, with lustrous leaves and a compact habit. Some grow slow and some relatively fast, so pick your cultivar carefully. The shrubs offer small, greenish white flowers in springtime but they are neither fragrant nor showy. The blossoms turn into black berries over summer. These holly shrubs resemble boxwood plants and, like boxwood, make excellent hedges. You can also use small-leafed holly species like Japanese holly as foundation shrubs. Cultivars offer different colors and shapes, so choose something that pleases you and suits your garden.

Japanese Holly Care

You'll do best growing Japanese holly in light, well-drained soil with plenty of organic material. The shrubs prefer slightly acidic soil and will develop iron deficiency if the soil pH is too high. You can plant the shrubs in almost any garden location since they tolerate full sun or partial shade. Japanese holly care includes regular irrigation to keep the soil moist. It helps to spread a few inches (8 cm.) of organic mulch over the planting area to hold moisture in the soil. Japanese holly plants do best in zones 6 to 7 or 8, depending on the cultivar. In the north, cold weather can damage the foliage of the species plant, so you'll want to select a cultivar that is slightly hardier. When you are figuring out how to care for Japanese holly, pruning is important. You can trim off branch tips to remove dead wood and make the shape more aesthetically appealing. Japanese holly pruning can also be severe though. Like boxwood, Japanese holly plants tolerate shearing, which makes the shrub a good choice for an evergreen hedge. If you want a shorter holly without pruning, try one of the dwarf cultivars like ‘Hetzii' that tops out at 36 inches (91 cm.) tall.

Spring is a time of renewal, rebirth, and the discovery of winter damage on your shrubs. If your holly bush has developed widespread leaf drying or browning, it's probably suffering from leaf scorch. When the first sweet, warm breeze of spring starts to blow, assuring us that winter has finally released its cold grip, most gardeners turn their thoughts to reviving their plants from their long sleep, and wait eagerly for bright blooms and green leaves. Unfortunately, in our haste, we often forget that winter can leave damage that crops up weeks or months after the freezing weather has passed. Holly bush winter damage is a common problem for growers of holly.

What is Holly Scorch?

Holly leaf scorch is the result of winter damage to your holly bushes, but won't always appear until the last cold snaps are over. When it does finally rear its head, it's easy to mistake for a fungal infection. If your hollies are starting to dry out from the leaf tips inward, or either circular or irregular tan spots begin to appear with no obvious cause during the spring or summer, holly leaf scorch should be a prime suspect. Leaf scorching in holly appears most often when the ground is frozen and drying winds or bright sun is prevalent. This combination of conditions causes holly leaves to lose more water than the plant can take up from the frozen ground, leading to a fluid imbalance. Although cold, dry weather is the most common cause of holly leaf scorch, it can also be induced by exposure to de-icing salts or frequent visits by neighborhood dogs who mistake hollies for fire hydrants.

Treating Hollies with Leaf Scorch

Once leaf scorch is obvious, it's too late to treat your holly, but you can take measures to ensure that it won't suffer the same fate next year.

• Reducing plant drought stress by watering regularly through dry periods and into fall will help keep your holly's tissues hydrated through the winter.
• Adding several inches (8 cm.) of organic mulch to the root zone of your holly will help prevent freezing and minimize any future leaf scorch.
• Remember to water your holly well during those warm winter spells and you can kiss good-bye to leaf scorch.

Fertilizing hollies regularly leads to plants with good color and even growth, and it helps the shrubs resist insects and disease. This article explains when and how to fertilize holly bushes.

Fertilizing Holly Bushes

Gardeners have lots of options when choosing a holly plant fertilizer. Compost or well-rotted livestock manure makes excellent (and often free) slow-release fertilizers that continue to feed the plant throughout the season. 

A complete fertilizer that contains eight to ten percent nitrogen is another good choice. The first number of the three-number ratio on the fertilizer bag tells you the percentage of nitrogen. For example, a fertilizer ratio of 10-20-20 contains 10 percent nitrogen. Holly bushes like soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0, and some fertilizers can acidify the soil while fertilizing holly bushes. 

Fertilizers formulated for broad-leaved evergreens (such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias) work well for hollies, too. Some manufactures produce fertilizers designed specifically for hollies. Holly-tone is a good example of this type of product.

How to Fertilize Holly

Pull back the mulch and apply the fertilizer directly to the soil around the holly. If you are using a complete fertilizer with a nitrogen content of eight to ten percent, use one-half pound (0.25 kg.) of fertilizer for each half-inch (1 cm.) of trunk diameter

. Alternatively, spread three inches (7.5 cm.) of rich compost or two inches (5 cm.) of well-rotted livestock manure over the root zone. The root zone extends about as far as the longest branch. Work the compost or manure into the top inch or two (2.5 or 5 cm.) of soil, taking care not to damage surface roots. 

When using Holly-tone or an azalea and camellia fertilizer, follow the directions on the container because formulations vary. Holly-tone recommends three cups per inch (1 L per 2.5 cm.) of trunk diameter for trees and one cup per inch (0.25 L per 2.5 cm.) of branch length for shrubs. 

Replace the mulch and water slowly and deeply after applying the fertilizer. Slow watering allows the fertilizer to sink into the soil rather than running off.

When to Feed Holly Shrubs

The optimum times for holly fertilization are spring and fall. Fertilize in spring just as the shrubs begin to put on new growth. Wait until growth stops for fall fertilization.

Holly Varieties - What Are Some Different Types Of Hollies

The holly family (Ilex spp.) includes a diverse group of shrubs and trees. You'll find plants that grow only 18 inches (46 cm.) tall as well as trees as tall as 60 feet (18 m.).

The leaves may be hard and spiny or soft to the touch. Most are dark green, but you can also find purple tints and variegated forms. With so much variation in holly varieties, you're sure to find one to fill your landscape need. Let's take a look at some of the different types of hollies.

Holly Plant Varieties

There are two common types of holly categories: evergreen and deciduous. Here are some popular types of holly shrubs to grow in the landscape.

Evergreen Hollies

Chinese Holly (I. cornuta): These evergreen shrubs have dark green leaves with pronounced spines. Chinese holly shrubs tolerate hot temperatures but sustain winter damage in areas colder than USDA plant hardiness zone 6. The different types of hollies in this group include ‘Burfordii,' which is one of the most popular cultivars for hedges, and ‘O. Spring,' a variegated type with irregular bands of yellow on the leaves.

Japanese Holly (I. crenata): Japanese hollies are generally softer in texture than Chinese hollies. They come in a range of shapes and sizes with endless uses in the landscape. These hollies don't do well in areas with hot summers, but they tolerate colder temperatures better than the Chinese hollies. ‘Sky Pencil' is a dramatic columnar cultivar that grows up to 10 feet (3 m.) tall and less than 2 feet (61 cm.) wide. ‘Compacta' is a neat, globe-shaped group of Japanese hollies.

American Holly (I. opaca): These North American natives grow up to 60 feet (18 m.) tall, and a mature specimen is a landscape treasure. Although these types of hollies are common in woodland settings, American holly isn't often used in residential landscapes because it grows very slowly. ‘Old Heavy Berry' is a vigorous cultivar that bears lots of fruit.

Inkberry Holly (I. glabra): Similar to Japanese hollies, inkberries are distinguished by their black berries. Species types tend to have bare lower branches because they drop their lower leaves, but cultivars such as ‘Nigra' have good lower leaf retention.

Yaupon Holly (I. vomitoria): Yaupon is a group holly plant variety with small leaves that have a purplish tint when young. Some of the more interesting types have white berries. The leaves on ‘Bordeaux' have a deep, burgundy tint that becomes darker in winter. ‘Pendula' is a graceful, weeping holly often used as a specimen plant.

Deciduous Hollies

Possumhaw (I. decidua): Taking the form of either a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree, possumhaw grows to heights of 20 to 30 feet (6-9 m.). It sets a heavy load of dark orange or red berries which remain on the branches after the leaves fall.

Winterberry Holly (I. verticillata): Winterberry is very similar to possumhaw, but it grows only 8 feet (2 m.) tall. There are several cultivars to choose from, most of which set fruit earlier than the species.

A yaupon holly shrub (Ilex vomitoria) is one of those plants gardeners dream of because it tolerates almost anything. It transplants without shock and thrives in soil that is wet or dry and alkaline or acidic. It needs very little pruning and insects aren't a problem. The tolerant nature of this shrub makes yaupon holly care a breeze.

Info on Yaupon Holly

Like most hollies, yaupon is dioecious. This means that only the female plants produce berries, and there must be a male plant nearby to fertilize the flowers. One male yaupon holly produces enough pollen to fertilize several female plants. Standard yaupon hollies grow 15 to 20 feet (4.5-6 m.) tall, but there are several cultivars that you can maintain at heights of 3 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m.). 'Compacta,' 'Nana,' and 'Schillings Dwarf' are among the best of the dwarfs. If you prefer yellow berries, try 'Yawkey' or 'Wiggins Yellow.' 'Fulsom's Weeping,' 'Pendula,' and 'Gray's Weeping' are weeping forms with long, pendulous branches. Regardless of the cultivar, growing yaupon hollies brings strong texture and unsurpassed color to winter landscapes. Native to the southeastern United States, it is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 7b through 9.

How to Care for a Yaupon Holly

Plant yaupon holly in a location with plenty of sun. Although it tolerates afternoon shade, you'll get more, and better, berries in full sun. Keep the soil around the shrub moist until it becomes established. Don't amend the soil or fertilize yaupon hollies at planting time unless the soil is very poor. Use a 2 to 3 inch (5-8 cm.) layer of organic mulch to keep the soil evenly moist. Fertilize yaupon hollies annually in spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers or spread the fertilizer at half the recommended rate. Lawn fertilizers are very high in nitrogen, so avoid spreading them near your hollies.

Pruning Yaupon Holly Bushes

Yaupon hollies look their best when left to develop their own, naturally attractive shape. A little judicious snipping to remove damage and wayward growth is all it needs. If you want to grow it as a small tree, limit it to a single upright trunk and remove the lower side branches. Yaupons aren't the best choice for formal, sheared hedges, but they make lovely informal screens. Long-neglected hollies can become an eyesore. One way to restore them is through a pruning practice called hat-racking. Cut the uppermost lateral branches to short stubs and as you move further down leave them a little longer. When you are done, the plant should have a cone shape. At first, you might think you have transformed your eyesore into something even worse, but as new growth fills in, it will develop a nice shape.

Inkberry holly shrubs (Ilex glabra), also known as gallberry shrubs, are native to the southeastern United States. These attractive plants fill a number of landscaping uses, from shorter hedges to tall specimen plantings. While the berries aren't edible for humans, many birds and small animals are fond of them in the winter. Growing inkberry holly in your yard is a simple project, as these plants are almost carefree. Find inkberry plant information to ensure the healthiest plants possible.

Inkberry Plant Information

Inkberry is a type of holly bush that is found wild in many southern bogs and damp woodlands. Its round, dense shape forms a thick hedge when it's grown in a row. Inkberry holly varieties vary from thick 4 foot (1 m.) versions to the almost tree-like 8 foot (2 m.) tall giants. As the plant grows, the bottom branches tend to lose their leaves, giving the bottom of the plant a bare look. Birds are very fond of inkberries and mammals such as raccoons, squirrels, and black bears will eat them when short on food. The creature that enjoys this plant the most may be the honeybee. Southern bees are known for making gallberry honey, an amber-colored liquid that's prized by many gourmets.

How to Care for Inkberry Holly Shrubs

Taking care of inkberries is relatively simple and well within the talents of novice gardeners. Choose a planting spot with acidic soil and full sunlight. Inkberry plants love moist soil with good drainage. Keep the soil moist at all times for the best results. These plants have both male and female flowers, so plant both varieties if you want the plants to produce berries. Inkberry spreads by vigorous root suckers and can take over a corner of the garden within a couple of years. Remove suckers each year if you want to keep it in check. Trim the plant each spring to keep it in shape and not too tall.

In autumn, holly shrubs take on a new character when the rich, green foliage becomes a backdrop for large clusters of red, orange, or yellow berries. The berries brighten landscapes at a time when garden color is scarce and provide a feast for birds and other wildlife. When berries fail to ripen into their bright fall and winter colors, the culprit is a small insect called a holly berry midge (Asphondylia ilicicola).

What is Holly Berry Midge?

Adult holly berry midge pests are small flies that resemble mosquitoes. These two-winged flies measure 1/14 to 1/8 inch (2-3 mm.) in length with long legs and antennae. Female holly berry midges lay their eggs inside holly berries, and when the maggots hatch, they feed on the flesh inside the berries. The berries may continue growing to nearly normal size, but the feeding activity of the larvae prevents them from turning to their bright, ripe colors. Birds and squirrels that would normally enjoy eating the tasty fruit aren't interested in green berries, so the infested fruit remains on the shrub.

Berry Midge Control

Holly berry midge control is difficult because there is no insecticide that effectively eliminates the larvae within the berries. The larvae develop slowly in fall and winter. When warm weather returns in spring, they complete their development and emerge from the berries as adult midges, ready to lay eggs in the next season's berries. The best way to control these berry midge bugs is to break their life cycle before they have a chance to mature. As soon as you see holly midge symptoms, pick the green berries from the shrub and destroy them. You can burn the berries or dump them in a bucket of soapy water to soak for a few days before bagging and discarding them. Don't put the berries in a compost pile where the berry midge bugs may survive long enough to mature. Some horticulturalists recommend spraying infested hollies with dormant oil in late winter before the shrub puts on new growth, but dormant oil alone won't eliminate the problem. If holly berry midge pests consistently infest shrubs in your area, consider planting midge-resistant cultivars. Your local garden center or nursery can help you select midge-resistant hollies.

Growing holly bushes in your yard can add structure and a splash of color in the winter and a lush, green backdrop for other flowers in the summer. Since they are such popular plants, people often have questions about the care of holly bushes.

Planting Holly Bushes

The best time for planting holly bushes is either in the spring or fall. The relatively low temperatures combined with higher rainfall will make settling into the new location much less stressful for the holly bush. The best location for planting holly bushes is in well-drained but not dry, slightly acidic soil in full sun. That being said, most hollies are very tolerant of less-than-ideal locations and will grow well in part shade or dry or swampy soil. 

If you are growing a holly bush for its bright berries, you need to keep in mind that most holly varieties have male and female plants, and that only the female holly shrub produces berries. This means that in the location where you'd like to plant a holly bush with berries, you will need to plant a female variety, and you'll also need to make sure that a male variety is planted nearby. 

You can, instead, try to find holly varieties that don't need a male plant in order to produce holly berries. The initial care of holly bushes after they are planted is much like other trees and shrubs. Make sure that your newly planted holly bush is watered daily for the first week, twice a week for a month after that and, if planting in spring, once a week for the remainder of summer.

Growing Holly Bushes

The care of holly bushes after they are established is easy. Fertilize your holly bushes once a year with a balanced fertilizer. They do not need to be watered in normal conditions, but if your area is experiencing a drought, you should give your holly bushes at least 2 inches (5 cm.) of water per week. 

When growing a holly bush, it also helps to mulch around the base of the holly shrub to help retain water in the summer and to even out the soil temperature in the winter. Proper care for holly shrubs also calls for regular pruning. Pruning your holly bushes will ensure that they keep a nice compact form rather than becoming leggy and scraggly. 

If you find that your holly shrubs are being damaged in the winter by snow and wind, you can wrap the holly shrubs in burlap to protect them from the weather.

Many frustrated holly owners have asked, “Why doesn't my holly bush have berries?”. While a holly bush's glossy green leaves are beautiful, the bright red berries add an extra boost to these bushes' beauty. So when you have a holly with no berries, you may feel you are missing out on a visual treat. Let's look at the question of, "How do I get berries on my holly bush?".

Do All Holly Bushes Have Berries?

No, all holly bushes do not have berries. Hollies are dioecious, meaning that they need male and female plants in order to produce seeds, which are what berries are. So only female holly bushes will have the red berries. This means that if some of your holly bushes do not have berries, they may be male and simply cannot produce berries. It also means that if all of your holly bushes do not have berries, that they may all be male or they all may be female. Without any male holly bushes nearby, the female holly bushes will not produce berries either. There are also a few rare varieties of holly that do not have berries on either the male or female shrubs. Make sure that you check when buying your holly bush to make sure that the variety you are buying is one that makes berries.

Other Reasons for a Holly With No Berries

While a lack of both sexes of bushes is the most common reason for when holly bush doesn't have berries, it is not the only reason. There are several other possible answers to the question “Why doesn't my holly bush have berries?”.

Male Holly Bushes are too Far Away

If the male hollies are too far away from the female hollies, the females cannot produce berries. Make sure that the female holly shrubs are within 200 yards (183 m.) of a male holly shrub.

Overpruning or Early Pruning

Sometimes a holly will have no berries because the flowers that would make the berries have been cut off. This happens when the holly shrub is overpruned or pruned too early. Holly berries will only grow on two-year-old growth. If you prune the holly bush back severely, you will cut this growth off. Also, if you prune in the summer or fall, rather than in the winter or early spring, you may also be cutting off the stems that would produce berries next year.

Dry or Cold Weather

Almost all perennial plants will drop their flowers and fruit if they feel they are are in danger. Dry weather causes a holly bush to think it is in danger and it will drop its flowers and berries at that time, which means no berries later on. Make sure that your holly bushes are getting enough water. They should be getting 1-2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm.) of water a week. A late cold snap or frost can kill the flowers on the holly bushes that would have become berries later on.

Age or Location

If your holly is too young, it will not bloom or produce berries. On average, hollies need to be at least three to five years of age before flowering and producing subsequent berries. Another reason for non-fruiting in holly shrubs is not having enough light. Locating hollies in too much shade can reduce flowering, thus resulting in no berries.

Moving holly bushes allows you relocate a healthy and mature holly bush to a more suitable part of the yard. If you transplant holly shrubs incorrectly, however, it can result in the holly losing its leaves or even dying. Keep reading to learn more about how to transplant holly bushes and when the best time is to transplant a holly.

When is the Best Time to Transplant a Holly?

The best time to transplant a holly bush is in early spring. Transplanting in early spring helps to keep the plant from losing its leaves due to the shock of being moved. This is because the extra rain in the spring and cool temperatures helps the plant retain moisture and this prevents it from shedding leaves as a way to retain moisture. If absolutely necessary, you can transplant holly bushes in the early fall. The chances of the leaves dropping will be increased, but the holly bushes will most likely survive. If you do end up with a naked holly after transplanting a holly shrub, don't panic. The chances are very good that the holly will regrow the leaves and be just fine.

How to Transplant Holly Bushes

Before you remove the holly bush from the ground, you will want to make sure that the new site for the holly shrub is prepared and ready. The less time the holly spends out of the ground, the more success it will have in not dying from the shock of being moved. At the new site, dig a hole that will be larger than the root ball of the transplanted holly. Dig the hole deep enough so that the holly bush's root ball can sit comfortably in the hole and that the holly will sit at the same level in the ground that it did at the previous location. Once the hole is dug, dig up the holly bush. You want to make sure that you dig up as much of the root ball as possible. Dig at least 6 inches (15 cm.) from the perimeter of where the leaves end and down about a foot (31 cm.) or so. Holly shrubs have rather shallow root systems, so you do not have to dig deeply to reach the bottom of the root ball. Once the holly shrub is dug out, quickly move the shrub to its new location. Place the holly into its new spot and spread the roots out in the hole. Then backfill the hole with soil. Step on the backfilled soil all the way around the holly bush to makes sure that there are no air pockets in the backfilled hole. Water the transplanted holly thoroughly. Continue to water it daily for a week and after that water it deeply twice a week for one month.

Yellow leaves on holly trees is a fairly common problem for gardeners. On a holly, yellow leaves typically indicates an iron deficiency, also known as iron chlorosis. When a holly plant does not get enough iron, the plant cannot produce chlorophyll and you get yellow leaves on your holly bush. A holly turning yellow can be fixed with a few simple changes.

What Causes Iron Chlorosis and Yellow Leaves on Holly Trees?

Iron deficiency and yellow holly leaves can be caused by many things. The most common reasons for this is either overwatering or poor drainage. Overwatering causes yellow leaves on a holly bush by either leaching away the iron in the soil or by suffocating the roots so that they are not able to take in the iron in the soil. Similarly, poor drainage also causes iron chlorosis in hollies, because the excess standing water also suffocates the roots. Another cause of yellow leaves on holly trees is soil that has a pH that is too high. Hollies like soil that has a low pH, in other words, acidic soil. If the pH is too high, the holly plant cannot process the iron and then you get yellow holly leaves. The last reason can be simply a lack of iron in the soil. This is rare, but can occur.

How to Fix a Holly with Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves on holly bushes is pretty easy to fix. First, make sure that the plant is getting the appropriate amount of water. The holly bush should be getting about 2 inches (5 cm.) of water a week and no more than this. Do not water additionally if the holly plant is getting enough water from rainfall. If the yellow leaves on your holly trees are caused by poor drainage, work to correct the soil. Adding organic material to the soil around the holly bush will help fix the drainage. Second, have your soil tested with a soil test kit or at your local extension service. Find out if your yellow holly leaves are caused by too high a pH or by a lack of iron in the soil. If the problem is too high a pH, you can make the soil more acidic. You can do this by using acidifying fertilizers or, you can find more ways to lower the pH in this article. If your soil is lacking iron, adding a fertilizer that contains trace amounts of iron will correct the problem.

Holly cuttings are considered hardwood cuttings. These differ from softwood cuttings. With softwood cuttings, you would take tip cuttings from the branch ends. When you are propagating holly bushes, the holly cuttings are taken from that year's new growth.

Propagation of Holly Shrubs

Holly cuttings are made from canes of new growth that have been removed from the holly bush. Once you have these canes, you can cut them into pieces about six inches (15 cm.) in length. 

Propagating holly should be done while the bush is dormant. If your holly is deciduous, this means your cuttings won't have any leaves on them. Although they have no leaves, you will see bumps on the canes. These are known as bud unions. This is where the following year's leaves are going to grow from. 

For evergreen hollies, you will take cuttings when the weather is cold and you should remove all but the top two sets of leaves from the cuttings. The bud union on evergreen hollies will be where the leaves meet the stem. When you are propagating holly and removing a piece from the plant itself, you should cut at the bottom just below one of the bud unions.

Then, from this piece you will partially cut about three quarters of an inch (2 cm.) above another bud union, which should give you a good 6 inches (15 cm.) of cutting that can be planted.

Following this procedure will help you know which is the top end and which is the bottom planting end of the holly cuttings. This also helps because the cuttings are now considered "injured" and an injured plant will develop roots where the callous develops over the injury to the holly bushes.

How to Grow Holly Cuttings

Growing holly cuttings is not at all difficult. You will simply take your cuttings and dip them in a compound used for rooting. There are various strengths to the rooting compound and your garden store can let you know which one you need for growing holly. 

For deciduous types, take your dipped cuttings and line them up so the ends that are dipped are even. This way you can take the cuttings and tie them into bundles. You will want to plant your growing holly in an area in your garden that receives full sunshine. Find that area and dig a hole that is at least 12 inches (30.5 cm.) deep. 

Make sure your hole is large enough to hold all of the bundles you have made of the cuttings. Put these bundles into the hole upside down. There is a reason for this. You want the butt end of the cuttings facing upward. Make sure you completely submerge your growing cuttings in the ground, about six inches (15 cm.) below the surface. Cover these cuttings with soil completely. 

You do not want any part of the growing holly cuttings to be sticking out of the soil. Make sure you mark your growing area with a stake so you can find them when you start gardening in the springtime. You also might want to use moist peat to cover the cuttings with before you put soil over them.

In the springtime, you will see holly bushes appearing. You can transplant them or leave them right where they are. *Alternatively, you can simply plant the cuttings (without burying them) as soon as you take them in late fall or whenever the ground is not frozen.

For evergreen types, stick the ends treated with rooting hormone about 3/4 to one inch (2 to 2.5 cm.) deep in a medium of coarse sand - in a suitable area outdoors. These will need to be watered frequently throughout fall, as the sand will drain quickly.

Unless your winters are particularly dry, there's no need for watering during this time, especially if you get snow. Resume watering in spring and continue throughout summer. This method works best if the cuttings are left until the following spring, at which time there should be adequate root growth for transplanting elsewhere.

Growing and propagating holly shrubs can be a rewarding experience provided you have the patience and fortitude required for success. In this article, we will look at how to grow holly from seed and cuttings.

Before You Start Propagating Holly

Growing holly is easy; however, in order to produce the bright red berries they're commonly known for, you need at least one female holly plant and one male. Holly shrubs can be container grown indoors or outdoors as foundation or specimen plantings. While they are hardy and tolerant of a variety of soil, holly prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. They also enjoy sun or partial shade.

Propagation of Holly Shrubs from Cuttings

Propagation of holly shrubs is an easy, albeit lengthy task. Most holly plants are propagated through cuttings, which are dipped in a rooting hormone and placed in potting soil and sand mixture. This is then kept moist while the plants are establishing roots. The best time to do propagation of holly shrubs from cuttings differs depending on which type is taken. Softwood cuttings are usually taken in summer to late fall, but MOST cuttings for holly propagation are from hardwood cuttings, which are taken while plants or dormant or during cold weather. Cuttings should be made about a quarter inch (6 mm.) below a leaf node (for softwood cuttings) or above and below the bud unions (for hardwood cuttings) for the best results. While cuttings are thought to be the easiest way to propagate holly shrubs, propagating holly with seeds is also possible.

Propagation of Holly Shrubs from Seeds

Each holly berry each contains about four seeds. Growing holly from seed can be difficult as the seed germination is slow, requiring anywhere from sixteen months to three years. In addition, it can take another three years before the holly shrubs produce any flowers. A specialized coating to survive harsh winters protects holly seeds; however, this pulp-like substance also makes propagation more difficult. Nonetheless, growing holly shrubs from seed propagation can be done, with patience. Collect holly berries and break the skin off. Rinse the seeds in cold water and then plant them in soilless potting medium within a large flat. Cover the flats and place outdoors in a protected area over the winter. If all goes well, the holly seeds should germinate by spring. Otherwise, they'll have to remain through another winter. Now that you know how to grow holly from seeds or cuttings, you can start growing holly in your own garden.

While holly bushes are common additions to the landscape and generally quite hardy, these attractive shrubs occasionally suffer from their share of holly bush diseases, pests, and other problems.

Common Pests and Diseases Damaging Holly Bushes

For the most part, hollies are extremely hardy, suffering from few pests or diseases. In fact, most problems that do occur are usually associated with other factors, such as environmental conditions. However, pests and diseases damaging holly bushes can happen so it's important to become familiar with the most common ones for help in prevention as well as treatment.

Holly Tree Pests

Holly tree pests such as scale, mites, and holly leaf miner are the most commonly seen affecting hollies.

• Scale - While light infestations of scale can usually be controlled by hand, scale control for heavier infestations generally requires the use of horticultural oil. This is usually applied prior to new growth to kill both adults and their eggs.
• Mites - Spider mites are common causes of discoloration and speckling of holly foliage. While introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs into the landscape can help minimize their numbers, a nice healthy dose of soapy water or insecticidal soap sprayed regularly on plants can also help keep these pests at bay.
• Leaf Miner - The holly leaf miner can cause unsightly yellow to brown trails throughout the center of leaves. Infested foliage should be destroyed and treatment with a foliar insecticide is often required for leaf miner control.

Holly Tree Disease

Most diseases of holly can be attributed to fungus. The two most prevalent fungal holly tree diseases are tar spot and cankers.

• Tar Spot - Tar spot usually occurs with moist, cool springtime temperatures. This disease begins as small, yellow spots on the leaves, which eventually become reddish brown to black in color and drop out, leaving holes in the foliage. Always remove and destroy infected foliage.
• Canker - Cankers, another holly tree disease, produce sunken areas on the stems, which eventually die out. Pruning out infected branches is usually necessary in order to save the plant.

Improving air circulation and keeping debris picked up is good for prevention in both cases.

Environmental Diseases of Holly

Sometimes a holly bush disease is due to environmental factors. Such is the case for problems like purple blotch, spine spot, holly scorch, and chlorosis.

• Purple Blotch - With purple blotch, leaves of holly become splotched with purple-looking spots, which are usually brought on by drought, plant injury, or nutritional deficiencies.
• Spine Spot - Spine spot is similar with gray spots edged with purple. This is most often caused by leaf punctures from other leaves.
• Scorch - Sometimes rapid temperature fluctuations in late winter can lead to browning of the leaves, or holly scorch. It is often helpful to provide shade to plants most susceptible.
• Chlorosis - Iron deficiency can lead to the holly bush disease, chlorosis. Symptoms include pale green to yellow leaves with dark green veins. Reducing pH levels in soil or treating it with a supplemental iron-fortified fertilizer can usually alleviate the issue.

With lush, evergreen foliage and bright berries among most varieties, holly bushes make attractive additions in the landscape. These shrubs are commonly grown as foundation plantings or hedges. 

Some, like English holly, are even used as decorative displays throughout the Christmas season. While their year-round beauty is often seen as an asset among other landscape plantings, some types of holly bushes can become unwieldy if left unpruned. Therefore, trimming holly bushes is important for keeping their overall appearance in tip-top shape.

When to Prune Holly Bushes

A common question is when to prune a holly bush plant. Most people can prune a holly bush while the plant is dormant (in winter). In fact, December is actually a great time for holly bush pruning. Trimming holly bushes helps them keep their shape and appearance looking neat. However, not all varieties are pruned at the same time. It is important to know when to prune holly bush varieties. Otherwise, you could inadvertently cause damage.

• American holly bushes (I. opaca) requires light routine pruning any time but when pruned heavily in summer, there may be limited berries come fall and winter.
• Chinese holly, on the other hand, usually doesn't require regular pruning, as this could actually disfigure its compact shape.
• Yaupon holly (I. vomitoria) is also best left unpruned, however, trimming holly bushes like these can be done when absolutely necessary to maintain appearance. Wait until dormancy for heavy pruning or simply trim as needed for shape.
• Japanese hollies can also be pruned as needed in midsummer or late winter. If pruning for hedges, late spring is a good time for trimming holly bushes.

For most holly bushes, pruning can take place in winter without any ill effects. These include English, Inkberry, and Blue hollies as well.

How to Prune Holly Bushes

Hollies are normally pruned to maintain shape or to remove unsightly growth. Some are shaped into hedges. If you don't know how to prune holly bushes correctly, you can do more harm than good. For hedge pruning of holly bushes, pruning the lower branches shorter than upper ones is not recommended. Maintain an even shape instead. 

Prune holly bushes to keep their natural growth in check. Always remove any dead or diseased branches. Then start from the inside and work outward. Cut branches just above new leaf buds or all the way back to main branch. Don't remove lower limbs of English holly. Instead, allow them to branch to the ground. If holly bushes require some major rejuvenation, however, they can be cut to the ground; again, this should be done during winter dormancy. 

Knowing when and how to prune holly bushes is important for their overall health. Trimming holly bushes helps them to maintain a neat, crisp appearance in the landscape.

Numerous shrubs produce berries, many of which using both male and female flowers on the same plant. However, some shrubs-- like holly-- are dioecious, meaning they require separate male and female plants in order for pollination to occur. Of course, in their native environments, this doesn't pose a problem. Nature simply takes care of itself. 

In the home landscape, however, knowing how to tell the difference between a male and female holly bush is important. If you don't have at least one male within close proximity of a female, pollination will not occur. As a result, there will be no berries on holly. It takes just one male to pollinate several female plants.

Holly Plant Male and Female Differences

Male and female holly flowers grow on different plants. Although some plants may be tagged with their particular sex, this is rarely the case. Therefore, it is oftentimes up to you to determine the difference. This is not an easy task. It is nearly impossible to distinguish the male and female holly bush prior to blooming. Generally, all females produce berries. Males do not. 

If you find a plant with berries, it's usually safe to say that it is female. The best way to determine the sex of holly plants is by examining the flowers, which are located between the leaf and branch joint. Although the small clusters of creamy white flowers are similar in appearance, males have more prominent stamens than females.

Types of Holly Shrubs

There are many types of holly shrubs:

• English holly (Ilex aquifolium) is one of the most common with its familiar glossy, dark green spiky leaves and bright red berries used for Christmas displays.
• Chinese holly (I. cornuta) is one of the few types of holly shrubs that can actually produce berries without male pollination. These berries vary in color from red, dark orange to yellow.
• The Japanese holly (I. crenata) produces vibrant black colored berries. This is also true of the inkberry variety (I. glabra), which is very similar and just as striking.
• There are several varieties of Blue holly (I. x meserveae) available as well, which produce attractive bluish green foliage, purple stems, and red berries.

To ensure you have both male and females, stick with similar varieties of holly plant, male and female are not always labeled. Named cultivars, however, are usually found in both male and female varieties. For instance, 'Blue Prince' and 'Blue Princess,' 'China Boy' and 'China Girl,' or 'Blue Stallion' and 'Blue Maid.' 

One word of caution, not all male/female names can be relied upon. Take, for example, the variegated Golden holly varieties 'Golden King' and 'Golden Queen.' The names are deceptive, as 'Golden King' is actually the female plant while 'Golden Queen' is the male.

Planting Holly Shrubs

When planting holly shrubs, place them in full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. The best time for planting holly shrubs is fall, although spring is also suitable depending on your particular region. Warmer climates benefit from fall planting so their roots have plenty of time to take hold before the onset of hot, dry summers. 

Hollies should be spaced 2 to 3 feet (61-91 cm.) apart, depending on the variety used and overall size. Most types of holly shrubs have shallow root systems so add mulch. Holly shrubs can also benefit from occasional pruning to enhance their appearance.

Most types of holly plants are normally very resilient. All holly plants, however, are susceptible to a few holly problems. One of those problems is holly leaf spot, also known as holly tar spot. This holly disease can defoliate a holly bush, so it is important to keep a close eye out for it.

Holly Leaf Spot Symptoms

The symptoms of this holly disease are easy to see. Most types of holly plants will first show black, yellow, or brownish spots on the leaves. Eventually, the leaves will start to fall off the bush. Typically, the holly leaves will start to fall off the bottom of the plant and work its way up the plant. Leaves will normally fall off the plant in the spring but the spots will first appear in late fall or winter.

Holly Disease Leaf Spot Causes

Holly leaf spot is normally caused by several fungi, which are either Phacidium curtisii, Coniothyrium ilicinum, or Phytophthora ilicis. The fungi each attack different types of holly plants but they all cause holly problems that are very similar.

Holly Leaf Spot Management and Prevention

Proper holly plant care is the best way to prevent and manage this holly disease. All types of holly plants will be able to fend off these holly problems if they are healthy and hardy. To prevent leaf spot, prune holly bushes so that they have good air circulation and sunlight. Also, plant holly bushes in suitable conditions for the holly type. Do not water your holly bushes in the morning or at night. If you recognize early on that your holly bush has been affected (while the spots are still yellow), you can apply a fungicide to the bush and this may reverse the progress of the holly problems. Once holly leaf spot starts causing the leaves to fall, there is little you can do to stop its progress. Fortunately, the leaf drop will only harm the look of the plant. The bush will survive and will grow new leaves. One important holly plant care tip to prevent the return of the fungus the next year is to gather up all of the fallen leaves and destroy them. Do not compost infected leaves. Also, remove affected leaves from the bush and destroy these as well. While holly leaf spot is unsightly, it is not deadly. Your holly bushes will recover as long as appropriate steps are taken to prevent the return of this holly disease.