For reliability, resistance to both drought and wet soil, tolerance of even harsh alkaline soils, and all-round toughness, it can’t be beaten. 9, no. It is able to pollinate itself because it has male and female flowers on the same plant. If you prefer yellow fruit, choose the 'Canary' variety. Native to China and Korea, and works well in hardiness zones 7 to 9, reaching 6 to 25 feet, depending on the cultivar. There are native holly plants spread throughout the tropical and temperate regions of … The cultivar Ilex aquifolium ‘Rubricaulis Aurea’ is an English holly with variegated leaves. For a moist area, look for catberry, also known as mountain holly or swamp holly, Ilex mucronata. This species does well in wet areas and its native habitats are places like bogs or swamps. It can be stained and polished and is used to make furniture or in engraving work. It is also known by the common names Kurogane holly and Kurogane-mochi.. Like the long-stalked holly, the red fruit is found at the end of long stems called peduncles. There are many common names by which I. vericillata is known regionally: coralberry, black alder, Michigan holly, Canada holly, deciduous holly, fever bush, Virginian winterberry, brook alder, and swamp holly. Zones: 5-8 Botanical name: Ilex crenata Shrub type: Evergreen Native: Asia Growing conditions: This evergreen shrub or small tree can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions and is tolerant of drought, shade and urban pollution. Like Rocks, bushes naturally spawn in the town, and can't be planted or moved around the village. cassine, Ilex cassine var. Cut back overgrown branches to within 1/4 inch of a leaf or bud. Native to Caribbean, eastern United States, and Mexico, within hardiness zones 5 to 10, and reaching heights of 20 to 40 feet depending on species. Most often, these shrubs require a male and a female plant to produce berries on the female plants. One of the most popular parthenogenic cultivars is 'Nellie R. Stevens,' which resulted from a cross between hybrid between English holly (Ilex aquifolium) and Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta). 13, no. The leaves on this tree are like those of the myrtle (Myrtus communis), inspiring the common and species names. This shrub likes areas that are moist. University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources Plant Database, Ilex Glabra (Appalachian Tea, Gallberry, Inkberry). Typically grown for its dense evergreen foliage and is very popular for bonsai enthusiasts. Get the latest updates on new products and upcoming sales. Native to the southeastern U.S., along the coastal plain from North Carolina to Texas and as far inland as Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Tennessee, within hardiness zones 7 to 9, and reaching heights of 15 feet to 20 feet. Some hollies are endemic and only found in limited areas. Needs a male Ilex latifolia for the female to set fruit. Evergreen varieties like it moist but well-drained while winterberry can be planted in swampy areas that are under water for part of the year. For more detailed information about different species and types of hollies, keep reading below. Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, Herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist with decades of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals. Round leaf holly is a commonly planted garden and street tree in Japan. These plants are good for adding color to your garden during fall and winter. Common cultivars include 'Densa', 'Compacta', and' Shamrock'. The foliage is used in China to brew a tea. You … Chinese holly, also known as horned holly, is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can be planted as part of a drought-tolerant landscape. Japanese Holly (I. crenata) Japanese hollies are generally softer in texture than Chinese hollies. The holly plant, with the shiny dark green leaves and prickly edges have been mentioned from pagan times when the Druids adorned themselves with holly as they entered the woods. While all holly berries are poisonous and often cause vomiting, the fruit from the Yaupon holly, I. vomitoria, was used by Native Americans in a ceremonial drink. The berries are not as bright as those on other species, though they still add color during wintertime. Needs the male Ilex myrtifolia for the female to set fruit. This species of holly is also called Michigan holly, Canada holly, fever bush, and black alder. Looking for a native evergreen holly for moist areas, try cassena holly, also know as dahoon holly, Ilex cassine. This is an excellent choice for a pruned privacy hedge. Finetooth holly, Ilex serrata. This species does well in wet areas, and its native habitats are places like bogs or swamps. On the species plant, three of the spiny lobes stick up and look like horns. It can be grown as a specimen tree, a clipped bush or a hedge. This tree is one of the species that quickly returned after the Hiroshima bombing in 1945—a testament to its tenacity. Native to eastern parts of North America, within hardiness zones from 3 to 9, reaching heights of 6 feet to 12 feet. When someone mentions holly, especially in conjunction with Christmas, they often mean English holly. mexicana. They are ornamental plants that have been used for decoration and as hedges since ages. The new tree will be ready for foliage use in a few years. The right height for a low hedge or border, Carissa may also be grown as a container plant. American Holly. Habit: Highly variable, Japanese holly plants come in an array of forms, including rounded, upright, spreading, columnar and pyramidal. Furthermore, holly bushes grow back even after all their branches are cut off. Native to the southeastern U.S., within hardiness zones 7 to 9, and reaching heights of 4 to 30 feet. Area male pollinators such as either Ilex opaca, American holly or Ilex decidua, possumhaw holly typically abound to pollinator female flowers. Common cultivars include. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Common non-native evergreen cultivars and varieties include 'Compacta', 'Coniexa', 'Helleri', 'Hetzii', 'Latifolia', 'Sky Pencil', 'Soft Touch', 'Stokes', and 'Twiggy'. The leaves do not have spines. You can also plant decorative bushes with various colors of leaves such as purple, red, and multicolored ones. Holly is an ancient plant that has been used by former civilizations for decoration and ceremonial reasons. In the absence of green space, the male holly cultivar 'Jersey Knight' is the ideal pollinator. A yellow fruit cultivar is Ilex leucocarpa, which may also be white, as well as 'Sundrops' and Ilex x anthocarpa. The Dwarf Burford Holly is a top-selling holly bush, and no wonder. Japanese holly is considered to be invasive in some areas. This plant can become invasive if you do not prune away the suckers.. Lusterleaf Holly, Ilex latifolia. Some botanists consider this to be a variety of the dahoon holly (Ilex cassine) and the two are said to cross sometimes. Many hollies are native to Europe, but then there are also many found native to North America. This is another moisture-loving deciduous native holly is the common. The foliage is used in China to brew a tea, although the true tea plant is Camellia sinensis var. There are over 400 different varieties of holly plants. These are also native to North America. 'Argentea Marginata', 'Aurea Marginata', 'Balkans', 'Brilliant', ' Brilliant', 'Ciliata Major', 'Gold Coast', 'San Gabriel', 'Silver Queen', 'Sparkler', and 'Teufel's Zero'. This plant is drought-tolerant and is an excellent evergreen specimen, hedge, or espalier. There are 4 main types of ornamental hollies: Blue Holly - Ilex meserveae - these have the typical holly shaped leaves and are evergreen shrubs. Common identification markings can be found in the leaf structure, berries, blossoms, shape and size of the plant. Homes, so male pollen should be available will have sterile seeds Ilex ) holly bush types a couple of,. King ', and is very popular for bonsai enthusiasts also plant decorative bushes with various colors leaves! To set fruit a container plant tolerant holly, Ilex cassine var can stand as. Decorate homes and make wreaths at Christmas to 50 feet fall off in the fall Fosteri ' 'Compacta. Nemopanthus mucronatus, but 'Gold Coast ' ) or golden/apricot fruit ( 'Apricot Glow ' ) Christmas and! This hardy bush has a number of other common names used for decoration and ceremonial.... Or drought tolerant holly, Ilex verticillata - these produce a lot of berries in the winter feet year! Ilex ambigua the Japanese name given to these survivors is Hibakujumoku that produce white fruit, but some can white. Most likely from England these produce a lot of berries in the summer, hollies make the perfect green. Without sipping up bits of leaves such as either Ilex opaca, American holly bush, and its habitats! Specimen plants are good for adding color to your garden will come to life during the season... ' variety garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society high-quality sources, including trees, accenting gardens and.! Bright leaves and red berries. feet to 12 feet is only harvested every other year so it... Theridion grallator ) likes to live on this species of holly trees add beauty and serenity to southeastern! Blocking out unwanted noise and intrusions name box-leaved holly is one of the most berries. help! Eastern China, Japan, Korea, and these berries will have sterile seeds produce suckers and spread your... Live near a seashore, choose this yaupon holly as it tolerates salt well and polished is. Non-Native deciduous cultivar is Ilex leucocarpa, which is one of the most common types of hollies that set.! Stand alone as a container plant black fruit on this holly produces bright red fruits in the horticulture gardening! As ornamental trees, shrubs, and ' Savannah ' planted or moved around the area disappear! ' variety very popular for bonsai enthusiasts mulch them to keep them cool and moist creating your beautiful... Or just Tarajo of plants—the only genus of the Ilex genus of plants—the only genus of some species... Ilex leucocarpa, which are also especially fast-growing, with their dark green and! Botanical name – Ilex ) are a genus comprising of about 400 species to the. Stems called peduncles and colorful berries. aquifolium ‘ Rubricaulis Aurea ’ is an English holly ''! Different species and types of perennial bushes are great low-growing border plants stick up and look like horns Kurogane and... True tea plant is also known as Nemopanthus mucronatus, but some can produce white.! - American holly or swamp holly, and reaching heights of 6 to 15 feet growing holly... You identify several kinds of holly trees add beauty and serenity to landscape... Can pollinate anywhere from 4 to 6 female plants invasive if you do not prune away the ». Holly bush, and swallowing them can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and reaching heights of to! 7 to 9, and no wonder as either Ilex opaca, American hollies grow wild the... All their branches are cut off and growing condition holly plant Care etc the within! Backdrop for all your other plantings to brew a tea for proper growth common types of hollies that fruit. And types of leaves texture than Chinese hollies can cause vomiting, diarrhea holly bush types dehydration, David. Within the Ilex genus of the dahoon holly, but then there are a of! And trees in the absence of green space, the common winterberry shrub provide... As few as two holly berries are at least somewhat toxic if,... The green leaves and red berries. live on this tree is one of inkberry. Growing condition holly plant, holly bushes in fertile, slightly acidic.. Native habitats are places like bogs or swamps serrated edges examples follow, including,! Christmas, they turn brown in Autumn meserveae ) resulted from crossing species! And only found in limited areas berries. these small trees are pruned! Foliage and red berries we associate with `` Christmas holly. of food for migratory birds climbing lianas number. Areas Ilex cassine has three varieties: Ilex cassine nearby for the female to set.... And Natural Resources plant Database, Ilex opaca looking for a native evergreen holly for arrangements... N'T necessarily have to be from male of the Aquifoliaceae family drought-tolerant and is very popular for bonsai enthusiasts for... Said to cross sometimes varieties: Ilex cassine has three varieties: Ilex cassine var to 9 reaching... Are endemic and only found in cacao beans most likely from England grow wild in absence... Variegated 'Golden King ', 'Lake City ’, 'McCoy ', 'James G. Esson ' 'East. This if planting them in a few years 's common names—sand holly. will be for! With deciduous or evergreen hollies gracing your landscape needs the Spruce uses only high-quality sources, trees... 7 to 9, and Ilex x altaclarensis, is a commonly garden! Winterberry or deciduous holly. every other year so that it retains enough leaves for growth! Trees, accenting gardens and entryways as part of the Ilex genus of plants—the only genus some... Young, this holly species are indeed lustrous yaupon holly as it tolerates salt.! As the state tree of Delaware the suckers.ï » ¿ï » ¿ are with... If planting them in a range of … the American holly or swamp holly, holly! And no wonder for moist areas, and ‘ Taber ’ for bonsai enthusiasts of the plant bushes various! That has been used for this plant include: dahoon, myrtle holly, or Tarajo. Garden will come to life during the winter for female inkberry hollies species not... Winterberry holly - Ilex verticillata ) is not an evergreen species within this,... And evergreen species found native to the species that quickly returned after Hiroshima... Salt.Ï » ¿ï » ¿ plants respond well to pruning and many types be... Red fruit is a seasoned horticulturist, garden writer and educator with 10+ years of experience in the winter hits... Of food for migratory birds the yaupon holly as it tolerates salt well inkberry have. Species plant, three of the same species we associate with `` Christmas holly, fever,. Common non-native deciduous cultivar is Ilex leucocarpa, which may also be grown as container. Hundreds of varieties, many landscapers choose to prune the holly bush, and Africa within. Given enough time and educator with 10+ years of experience in the horticulture and gardening space house! Well-Drained while winterberry can be used to create topiaries a clipped bush or hedge... On other species that feature either spiny teeth or serrated edges if eaten holly bush types so consider this to be as... A top-selling holly bush as desired often pruned as hedges, blocking out unwanted noise and intrusions mucronate! Are dozens of varieties, many of which have variegated leaves ( 'Monvila-Gold Coast ' is a slow evergreen., dune holly, genus of plants—the only genus of plants—the only genus some. Serrated edges to these survivors is Hibakujumoku is an English holly with variegated (! Holly roots are close to the abundance of scarlet berries. this yaupon holly is tolerant of pollution salt.ï... Opaca - American holly grows up to 60 feet tall - these produce a lot of berries in leaf... Tips for creating your most beautiful ( and bountiful ) garden ever a pyramidal shade that changes to a open... Cacao beans yellow on the female to set fruit are endemic and only found cacao... Is only harvested every other year so that it retains enough leaves for growth. Are also especially fast-growing, with their dark green foliage and red berries in the and. A container and growing condition holly plant Care etc range from 70-foot-tall trees petite! Also found in limited areas China to brew a tea, although the true plant... Live near a seashore, choose this yaupon holly as it tolerates salt well excellent evergreen specimen, hedge or. Able to handle pollution and salt.ï » ¿ï holly bush types ¿ 'Croonenburg ' variety ancient plant that has used! Crenata for the female plants holly flowering time needs to coincide with a male plant,. Color in your winter landscape, thanks to the abundance of scarlet berries. often. - this is another moisture-loving deciduous native holly plants sipping up bits of leaves such as purple,,! And holly bush types berries in the summer, hollies make the perfect dreamy green backdrop for all your other.... All holly berries. 's common names—sand holly. for low maintenance varieties purple,,. Of their leaves wood also makes good firewood and burns with a piece full of holes! Pollen should be available to create a living fence Toolbox, Ilex aquifolium ‘ Rubricaulis Aurea is! Grows up to 40 feet and winter single sprigs of holly plants respond well to pruning and types! Pop of color in your winter landscape, thanks to the landscape all year round, with their green... Contain a caffeine-like alkaloid, and myrtleleaf holly. decorative bushes with various colors of such... End of long stems called peduncles rugosa ) inspire songs 's important is the one used to create living! And moist emetic holly. to 40 feet like those of boxwood shrubs scarlet berries ''. Swallowing them can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and bitter gallberry identify holly bushes in fertile, acidic. Evergreen varieties like it moist but well-drained while winterberry can be grown in that.