Exploring the Diversity of Holly Plants for Your Landscape

Jul 26, 2024
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Holly plants, known for their glossy leaves and bright berries, are a versatile and attractive addition to any landscape.

With a wide variety of species and cultivars, hollies offer a range of options to suit different garden styles, climates, and preferences. In this blog, we’ll explore the diversity of holly trees and holly shrubs, as well as provide tips on how to incorporate them into your landscape.

The Diversity of Holly Plants

Holly plants belong to the genus Ilex, which comprises over 400 species of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers. They are native to various regions, including Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. The diversity within this genus allows gardeners to choose from a wide array of forms, sizes, and colors, making hollies suitable for different landscaping needs.

Evergreen vs. Deciduous Hollies

• Evergreen Hollies: These hollies retain their leaves throughout the year, providing constant color and structure in the landscape. Examples include American Holly (Ilex opaca) and Japanese holly (Ilex crenata).
• Deciduous Hollies: These hollies shed their leaves in the fall but often produce colorful berries that persist through winter, adding seasonal interest. An example is Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata).

How to Incorporate Hollies into Your Landscape

Incorporating hollies into your landscape can enhance its beauty and functionality. Here are some tips to help you make the most of these versatile plants:

Hedges and Screens

Due to their dense foliage and often spiny leaves, hollies make excellent hedges and screens. They also provide privacy, windbreaks, and wildlife habitat. For example, the Nellie Stevens Holly (Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens') is popular for creating tall, dense hedges.

Foundation Plantings

Low-growing hollies, such as the Compact Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata ‘compacta'), are ideal for foundation plantings. They add year-round greenery and structure without obstructing windows or walkways.

Accent Plants

Use hollies as focal points or accent plants to draw attention to specific areas of your garden. The unique form and vibrant berries of plants like the Christmas Jewel Holly can serve as an eye-catching feature.

Mixed Borders

Incorporate hollies into mixed borders alongside other shrubs, perennials, and grasses.

In the video to the right, you will see where popular DIY influencer The Iron Victorian incorporates Shamrock Inkberry Hollies into their entryway garden. The Shamrocks are a great boxwood alternative if you are someone who struggles with the high maintenance upkeep that many boxwoods require! Their evergreen leaves provide a gorgeous backdrop for flowering plants, while their berries add color during winter.

Wildlife Gardens

Hollies are valuable for wildlife gardens as they provide food and shelter for birds and other animals. The berries of winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata) are particularly attractive to birds.

10 Popular Holly Shrubs and Trees

1. American Holly (Ilex opaca)

• Description: A large evergreen tree with dark green, spiny leaves and red berries.
• Landscape Use: Ideal for large landscapes, screens, and wildlife gardens.

2. Compact Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata ‘compacta)

• Description: A versatile shrub with small, boxwood-like leaves. Available in various forms, including columnar and spreading.
• Landscape Use: Suitable for hedges, foundation plantings, and topiary.

3. Sparkleberry Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)

• Description: A deciduous holly with bright red berries that persist through winter.
• Landscape Use: This variety is perfect for wet areas, wildlife gardens, and mixed borders. Be sure to plant a male pollinator like Southern Gentleman to ensure berry production.

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

• Description: A fast-growing evergreen hybrid with dark green leaves and abundant red berries.
• Landscape Use: Excellent for tall hedges and privacy screens.

5. Dragon Lady Holly (Ilex aquipernyi)

• Description: An iconic evergreen holly with dark-green glossy, spiny leaves and red berries.
• Landscape Use: Ideal as an accent plant or in mixed borders.

6. Dwarf Burford Holly (Ilex cornuta ‘burfordii')

• Description: A dwarf, evergreen shrub with small leaves and a rounded form.
• Landscape Use: Great for foundation plantings, low hedges, and containers.

7. Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra)

• Description: An evergreen shrub with dark green leaves and black berries.
• Landscape Use: Suitable for wet areas, foundation plantings, and wildlife gardens.

8. Soft Touch Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Soft Touch’)

• Description: A dense evergreen shrub with boxwood-type leaves.
• Landscape Use: Ideal for hedges, screens, and accent plantings.

9. Blue Princess Holly (Ilex x meserveae ‘Blue Princess’)

• Description: A hybrid holly with dark green, blue-tinged leaves and bright red berries.
• Landscape Use: Great for hedges, foundation plantings, and winter interest. Add a male Pollinator to aid in berry production.

10. Sky Pencil Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’)

• Description: An upright, columnar holly that looks great when planted to frame a front door. Can also be grown successfully grown in pots.
• Landscape Use: Ideal for containers, formal gardens, and winter interest.

Conclusion

Holly plants offer an incredible diversity of forms, colors, and uses, making them a versatile choice for any landscape. Whether you’re looking to create a privacy hedge, add winter interest, or attract wildlife, there’s a holly plant that can meet your needs.

By understanding the unique characteristics of different holly species and cultivars, you can incorporate these beautiful plants into your garden design and enjoy their year-round appeal.