Holly shrubs and trees are a diverse group of plants that are prized for their attractive foliage, colorful berries, and year-round interest. With over 400 species in the Ilex genus, hollies can be found in gardens, parks, and landscapes worldwide. These plants are especially popular for their use as hedges, foundation plantings, and festive holiday decorations.

This article will cover some of the most common types of holly shrubs and trees, discussing their unique characteristics, growing conditions, and landscaping uses.

1. American Holly (Ilex opaca)

This is probably one of the most recognizable species of holly, a native evergreen tree of the eastern United States. The leaves are dark green and spiny, with bright red berries in winter that make it so popular for holiday decorating.

Key Features:

  1. Grows to 50 feet tall
  2. Evergreen with glossy, dark green leaves
  3. Red berries that attract birds
  4. Thrives in well-drained, acidic soil and full to partial sun

American holly is often used as a privacy screen or specimen tree because of its dense foliage and tall growth habit.

2. Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta)

Chinese holly is a tough, drought-resistant evergreen shrub known for its uniquely shaped leaves that resemble bull horns. This species is particularly useful for hedging and foundation plantings.

Key Features:

  1. Grows between 10 to 25 feet tall
  2. Thick, glossy green leaves with spiny edges
  3. Produces bright red berries in winter
  4. Tolerates heat, drought, and poor soil conditions

Popular cultivars include ‘Burfordii’ and ‘Dwarf Burford Holly,’ which are commonly used in residential landscapes.

3. English Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

English holly is the classic holly used in Christmas decorations. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to Europe and Western Asia.

Key Features:

  1. Grows 15 to 50 feet tall
  2. Dark green, spiny leaves with a glossy finish
  3. Produces bright red berries in winter
  4. Likes well-drained soil and partial shade

English holly is often used for hedges and topiary because of its dense, sculptable growth.

4. Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)

Japanese holly is a small-leaved, evergreen shrub that looks like boxwood. It is typically cultivated for formal topiary, hedges, and borders.

Important Characteristics:

  1. Grows to be 3 to 10 feet tall
  2. Dark green, small, rounded leaves
  3. Tiny black berries instead of red ones
  4. Responds well to pruning and shearing

Some popular varieties include ‘Sky Pencil’ for its vertical growth habit and ‘Compacta’ for low-hedge use.

5. Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)

Yaupon holly is a native evergreen shrub in the southeastern United States. It is prized for its tolerance and ability to thrive in coastal conditions.

Key Features:

  1. Grows 10 to 20 feet tall
  2. Small, oval leaves with a smooth margin
  3. Red berries attract wildlife
  4. Drought, salt spray, and poor soils tolerant

Dwarf cultivars such as ‘Nana’ are often used for foundation plantings and low hedges.

6. Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra)

Native to North America, inkberry holly has smooth, spineless leaves and black berries. It is often used for naturalistic landscapes.

Key Features:

  1. Grows 5 to 10 feet tall
  2. Dark green, oblong leaves have no spines
  3. Produce black berries in fall and winter
  4. Like most hollies, prefers moist, acidic soils

Inkberry holly is a great option for rain gardens, erosion control, and mixed shrub borders.

7. Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)

Winterberry holly is an evergreen deciduous species used for its remarkable display of the bright red winter berries when foliage has dropped for the season.

Characteristics:

  1. 6 to 15 feet in height
  2. Has green, leafy, sharply-toothed leaves that will fall in fall
  3. Has berries in profuse abundance in the winter
  4. Wants moist and acidic soils along with full sun to partial shade

Winterberry holly provides ornamental benefit, attracting the birds and enhancing winter interest landscapes.

8. Blue Holly – Ilex x meserveae

Blue holly is a hybrid cultivar that produces a striking blue-green foliage with good cold hardiness. It’s a popular variety in the colder climates.

Features:

  1. Reaches 6 to 15 feet tall
  2. Glossy, spiny blue-green leaves
  3. Bright red berries
  4. It is more cold tolerant than most hollies

Some of the popular varieties include ‘Blue Princess’ and ‘Blue Prince.’ These varieties are often used in pairs in landscapes to encourage good berrying.

When choosing a holly variety, consider the following factors:

Climate: Some hollies are better suited to cold climates, while others thrive in heat and humidity.

Size and Growth Habit: Determine whether you need a large tree, a medium-sized shrub, or a compact variety.

Berry Production: Many holly varieties require male and female plants for fruit production.

Soil and Light Requirements: Some hollies prefer acidic, well-drained soils, while others can tolerate poor conditions.

Conclusion

Holly shrubs and trees are one of the most versatile options for any gardener or landscaper, ranging from tall evergreen towering to compact foundation plantings. Whether you need a privacy hedge, a wildlife-friendly shrub, or a festive winter accent, there is a holly variety to suit your needs. With proper selection and care, you can have holly plants that will provide year-round beauty and function in your landscape.