Holly.

At a glance

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Shrub, Tree

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Varies greatly by species, from 3 ft to over 50 ft tall

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 5 to 9

Bloom time

Spring

Care

Provide consistent moisture, especially when young, and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. Pollination is key for berry production; plant a male pollinator nearby if you want fruit on female plants.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, reducing frequency in cooler months.

Feeding

Fertilize once in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape, remove deadwood, or control size. Heavy pruning can be done after flowering if needed.

Repotting

Repot only when root-bound, typically every 2-3 years, using a slightly larger container with fresh potting mix.

Soil

Well-draining, slightly acidic loam

Soil pH

5.5-7.0

Temperature

-23 to 29°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Safety

People

Ingestion of berries may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Pets

Berries are mildly toxic to pets if ingested, causing stomach upset.

Children

Small berries could pose a choking hazard for young children, and ingestion may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Contact allergens

Some individuals may experience skin irritation from contact with the leaves or sap.

Airborne allergens

Pollen from Ilex species can be a respiratory irritant for some people.

Edibility

Berries can cause stomach upset if ingested.

How to identify it

• Glossy, leathery leaves
• Sharp, pointed leaf margins
• Red, yellow, or black berries (on female plants)
• Often thorny or spiny foliage
• Evergreen habit
• Dioecious (separate male and female plants)

Height

0.9 to 15m

Spread

0.9 to 12m

Leaves

Green, Dark green, evergreen

Flowers

White, Greenish-white, Yellowish, 0.3 to 1cm

Fruit

Red, Yellow, Black, Fall, Winter

Common problems

• Leaf Miner — Larvae tunnel between leaf surfaces, creating visible trails.
• Scale Insects — Small, immobile insects that attach to stems and leaves, sucking sap.
• Tar Spot — Fungal disease causing dark spots on leaves.
• Root Rot — Fungal disease favored by waterlogged soils, causing wilting and yellowing.

Growing it

Propagation

Cuttings, Seed (stratification required), Grafting (for specific cultivars)

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Consider planting Ilex where its evergreen structure can provide winter interest alongside deciduous companions that offer seasonal color.

Grows well with

• Boxwood — Boxwood offers a low-growing, evergreen contrast that complements the form and texture of Ilex, and they share similar cultural needs.
• Rhododendron — Rhododendrons provide vibrant spring blooms that pair beautifully with the evergreen foliage of Ilex, especially in acidic soil conditions.
• Japanese Maple — The delicate foliage and varied colors of Japanese Maples offer a lovely textural and color contrast to the stiffer leaves of many Ilex varieties.
• Ferns — Ferns add a soft, woodland feel and thrive in the partial shade that many Ilex species prefer, filling the understory.

Keep away from

• Aphids — Aphids can infest new growth, weakening the plant and potentially spreading disease.
• Mealybugs — These pests suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing leaves and stunted growth.
• Powdery Mildew — This fungal disease can affect Ilex in humid conditions, coating leaves in a white, powdery layer.

Similar species

• Aucuba — Aucuba shares similar shade tolerance and evergreen foliage, offering a comparable structure in shady garden areas.
• Mahonia — Mahonia provides evergreen texture and often yellow flowers, similar to some Ilex, and can tolerate similar growing conditions.
• Yaupon Holly — Yaupon Holly is a native Ilex species with similar ecological benefits and ornamental value, but it typically has smaller leaves and berries.

Science

Family

Aquifoliaceae

Genus

Ilex

Order

Aquifoliales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Widespread across temperate and tropical regions globally.

Conservation

Most common Ilex species are not of conservation concern, but some rare species may be locally threatened.

Ilex species occupy diverse habitats, from forests to swamps, and their berries are a crucial food source for many bird species during winter.

Value to wildlife

fruit for birds, shelter for wildlife

Uses

ornamental, hedging, berried branches for winter decoration

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Do I need a male and female plant for berries?

Yes, for most Ilex species, you need a male plant to pollinate the female plant in order to get berries.

How much sun do Ilex need?

Light requirements vary by species, but most prefer full sun to partial shade.

Are Ilex plants difficult to grow?

Generally, Ilex are relatively easy to grow if given the right conditions, but some species are more sensitive than others.

Can Ilex be pruned?

Yes, Ilex can be pruned to maintain shape, size, or to encourage bushier growth.

Where the name comes from

The genus name 'Ilex' is the classical Latin name for the Holly tree. The common name 'Holly' is thought to derive from the Old English 'hōlig', referring to its use in winter decorations and association with religious ceremonies.

Good to know

• Ilex is the Latin name for the Holly tree.
• Many Ilex species are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants.
• The berries of some Ilex species are an important food source for wintering birds.
• Ilex wood is dense and has been used for carving and tool handles.