Holly bushes and trees are known for their rich, evergreen foliage, glossy leaves, and vibrant red berries. This makes them a popular choice for adding year-round beauty, structure, and color to gardens and landscapes. With hundreds of species available, each offering different leaf shapes, berry colors, and sizes, it’s no wonder these plants are prized worldwide. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance shrub or a stately tree, there’s a holly variety for every type of garden and climate.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular types of holly bushes and trees, highlighting their unique characteristics and uses to help you find the perfect addition to your landscape.
1. American Holly (Ilex opaca)
Overview
The American Holly (Ilex opaca) is perhaps the most iconic of all holly species, often associated with holiday cheer and festive traditions. Its rich, glossy green leaves and striking red berries evoke images of Christmas and winter celebrations, making it a popular choice for seasonal decorations such as wreaths and garlands. However, this evergreen tree is much more than just a holiday decoration—it is a versatile and valuable addition to a landscape year-round, offering not only beauty but functional benefits like privacy and wildlife support.
Characteristics
- Height: American Holly trees can grow quite tall, reaching up to 50 feet in height in the wild. However, they can be pruned to maintain a smaller, more manageable size, making them adaptable to various garden spaces. When kept trimmed, they are often around 15 to 30 feet tall.
- Foliage: The American Holly’s leaves are leathery and have a glossy texture, with a characteristic dark green color. They are often spiny, especially along the edges, which makes them both attractive and functional. The spines on the leaves also help deter wildlife from feeding on the tree, making it a solid choice for protecting other plantings in the landscape.
- Berries: One of the most striking features of American Holly is its bright red berries. These berries are not only visually appealing but are also a great food source for birds, particularly in the winter months. The berries typically appear in late fall or early winter, remaining on the tree throughout the colder months, offering color and interest when many other plants are dormant.
Uses in Landscaping
The American Holly is a tree that offers versatility in a variety of landscaping situations. Here are a few key ways it can be used:
- Privacy Screen or Hedge: Due to its dense foliage and relatively tall stature, the American Holly works well as a privacy screen or windbreak. It provides a natural barrier between properties, reducing noise and offering a degree of privacy year-round.
- Ornamental Focal Point: With its glossy, spiny leaves and vibrant berries, the American Holly makes an excellent ornamental tree. Its shape and color provide an attractive focal point in any landscape, especially in winter when the berries stand out against a blanket of snow.
- Wildlife Support: American Holly is a great choice for attracting wildlife to your garden. Its berries provide food for birds in the winter, and the dense foliage offers shelter and protection for various creatures. This makes it a great choice for nature lovers looking to attract birds and other wildlife to their yard.
However, one thing to keep in mind is the sharp spines on the leaves. While these provide natural protection for the tree, they can be uncomfortable if you need to prune or manage the tree close to walkways or in high-traffic areas.
2. Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)
Overview
The Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata) is a compact, low-maintenance shrub that offers a different aesthetic from other holly varieties. It is often favored for its rounded, small-leaved form, which can be used as a more refined, structured addition to a garden or landscape. Unlike the American Holly, which has sharp spines, the Japanese Holly has smooth, glossy leaves, making it more approachable and easier to work with. It’s a great option for those looking for an attractive yet low-maintenance shrub.
Characteristics
- Height: Japanese Holly typically grows to a height of 3 to 10 feet, depending on the specific variety and growing conditions. Its compact size makes it a perfect choice for smaller landscapes or container gardening.
- Foliage: The leaves of the Japanese Holly are small, rounded, and have a glossy dark green color. Unlike other holly species, the leaves of the Japanese Holly lack spines, giving it a smoother, softer appearance. This makes it a popular choice for gardeners seeking a less “prickly” shrub.
- Berries: The berries of Japanese Holly are small, black, and typically less conspicuous than those of other hollies, such as the American Holly. While not as showy, they still provide some interest, especially for gardeners who prefer a subtler look.
Uses in Landscaping
Japanese Holly is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, compact shrub. Here are some common uses:
- Hedges and Borders: Due to its small size and dense growth habit, Japanese Holly is a great option for creating neat, tidy hedges or borders. It responds well to pruning, allowing you to shape it into formal lines or rounded forms, making it ideal for structured garden designs.
- Foundation Plantings: Japanese Holly works well as a foundation planting, providing a green backdrop to buildings without overwhelming the space. Its compact nature makes it a good fit for smaller yards or urban landscapes.
- Container Gardening: If you’re looking to add some greenery to your porch, balcony, or patio, Japanese Holly is a perfect option for container gardening. Its small size and slow growth mean it can thrive in pots without becoming too large for its container.
Overall, Japanese Holly is a versatile and attractive shrub that’s perfect for those looking for a low-maintenance plant that can still provide year-round beauty and structure.
3. Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta)
Overview
The Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta) is a striking variety of holly known for its distinctive leaves and versatility in the landscape. This holly is adaptable to various growing conditions and has become a popular choice for both ornamental and practical uses. Its spiny leaves and bright red berries make it a visually appealing addition to any garden, while its adaptability and ease of care make it a favorite among gardeners.
Characteristics
- Height: Chinese Holly typically grows to a height of 8 to 15 feet. It can be kept smaller with regular pruning, but it’s a great option for adding vertical height to a garden.
- Foliage: The leaves of Chinese Holly are large, dark green, and feature prominent spines along the edges. The bold, spiny foliage makes it a standout in any landscape and adds texture and interest to gardens.
- Berries: Chinese Holly produces bright red berries that are often larger than those of other holly varieties. These berries are a key feature of the tree, attracting birds and adding seasonal color to the landscape.
Uses in Landscaping
Chinese Holly is a great choice for a variety of landscaping applications:
- Security and Privacy: The spiny leaves of Chinese Holly make it an excellent choice for creating a security barrier or privacy screen. The sharp spines deter animals and people from getting too close, and the dense foliage provides excellent coverage.
- Foundation Plantings and Hedges: Due to its dense growth and attractive berries, Chinese Holly is often used for foundation plantings or hedges. Its spiny foliage creates a thick, impenetrable barrier, making it ideal for creating privacy or defining garden spaces.
- Accent Tree: Chinese Holly can also serve as a stand-alone ornamental tree, particularly when grown to its full height. The combination of its bold leaves and vibrant berries makes it a standout feature in a garden or yard.
Whether used as a hedge, privacy screen, or focal point, Chinese Holly’s adaptability and striking appearance make it a fantastic choice for any landscape.
4. Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra)
Overview
Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra) is an evergreen shrub native to North America. It’s known for its adaptability to damp conditions and its smooth, spineless leaves, which set it apart from other holly varieties. Inkberry is an excellent choice for wetland gardens, rain gardens, or areas that experience frequent rainfall. Its uniform growth habit and ease of maintenance make it a popular choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, adaptable shrub.
Characteristics
- Height: Inkberry typically grows to a height of 5 to 8 feet, making it a medium-sized shrub that fits well into a variety of landscape designs.
- Foliage: Inkberry has smooth, leathery, dark green leaves that remain green throughout the year. Unlike other holly varieties, the leaves are spineless, offering a softer appearance and making it easier to work with.
- Berries: Inkberry produces dark purple to black berries, which are attractive to birds and other wildlife. While the berries are not as showy as red holly berries, they still offer some visual interest, particularly when contrasted with the dark foliage.
Uses in Landscaping
Inkberry Holly is a great choice for areas with wet soil, as it thrives in damp conditions and can tolerate periods of standing water. Here are some of the best uses for Inkberry Holly:
- Rain Gardens: Inkberry is ideal for planting in rain gardens or areas where water tends to collect. It thrives in moist conditions, making it perfect for low-lying areas or gardens designed to manage stormwater runoff.
- Hedges and Borders: Inkberry’s dense foliage and rounded growth habit make it an excellent choice for creating informal hedges or borders. It also works well as a low-maintenance foundation planting or as part of a mixed shrub border.
- Wildlife Habitat: The dark berries produced by Inkberry attract birds and other wildlife, making it a valuable plant for creating a habitat-friendly garden. The dense foliage also provides shelter for various creatures.
5. Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
Overview
Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata) is a deciduous holly that’s native to North America. Unlike evergreen holly varieties, Winterberry sheds its leaves in the fall, but it still provides seasonal interest with its bright red berries that remain on the plant long after the foliage has fallen. Winterberry is often used in winter landscaping to provide color and texture during the colder months.
Characteristics
- Height: Winterberry Holly ranges in height from 3 to 12 feet, depending on the variety and growing conditions. It is typically more compact than the American Holly, but it can be pruned to maintain a manageable size.
- Foliage: The leaves of Winterberry are dark green during the growing season but turn yellow and fall off in the fall. This deciduous nature makes Winterberry a great option for adding seasonal interest to a landscape.
- Berries: Winterberry is renowned for its vivid red berries, which persist through the winter months, providing vibrant color when most other plants are dormant. The berries are a key attraction for birds and wildlife.
Uses in Landscaping
Winterberry Holly is an excellent choice for adding seasonal interest, particularly in winter landscapes:
- Winter Color: Winterberry’s bright red berries stand out against the bare branches, making it a stunning addition to any winter garden. It provides color and visual interest during the cold months when many plants are dormant.
- Hedges and Accent Shrubs: Winterberry can be used as a hedge, especially in mass plantings, to create a visually striking display of red berries. It also works well as an accent shrub in larger landscapes, where it can highlight other plants or structures.
- Wildlife Habitat: Like other hollies, Winterberry is an excellent source of food for birds and wildlife, making it a great plant for creating a garden that attracts local fauna.
Winterberry’s unique deciduous nature and vibrant red berries make it a must-have for any gardener looking to add seasonal beauty to their landscape.
6. Blue Holly (Ilex × meserveae)
Overview
Blue Holly, also known as Meserve holly (Ilex × meserveae), is a striking hybrid species that has become a favorite in many landscapes due to its unique color and hardiness. Known for its glossy, blue-green leaves, this evergreen holly offers a distinctive appearance that stands out in the landscape, especially during winter months when its foliage remains vibrant. It is particularly well-suited to colder climates, thriving in areas that experience frost, and is more frost-tolerant than many other holly varieties.
Blue holly’s hybrid nature means it is a cross between the American holly (Ilex opaca) and the Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta). This combination gives the plant some of the best qualities of both parent species, including attractive foliage and hardiness, making it a versatile and durable option for many types of gardens.
Characteristics
- Height: Blue Holly typically grows between 5 and 10 feet in height, depending on the specific variety and growing conditions. It is considered a medium-sized shrub, making it an excellent choice for hedges, borders, and smaller garden spaces.
- Foliage: One of the standout features of Blue Holly is its striking blue-green leaves. These leaves are glossy and have spiny edges, which give them a bold, attractive appearance. The blue-green color of the leaves contrasts beautifully with the bright red berries that appear in late fall or winter, creating a festive and eye-catching look.
- Berries: Blue Holly produces bright red berries, which not only add to the plant’s visual appeal but also provide food for birds during the winter months. The berries persist on the plant through the colder months, making it a great option for adding color and interest to the winter landscape.
Uses in Landscaping
Blue Holly is a versatile plant that can serve a variety of landscaping purposes:
- Hedge or Privacy Screen: Due to its dense growth habit and medium height, Blue Holly is ideal for creating a hedge or privacy screen. Its spiny leaves also act as a deterrent for unwanted visitors or animals, making it an effective boundary plant.
- Foundation Planting: The compact size of Blue Holly makes it perfect for foundation plantings, where it can be used to frame buildings and soften hard edges. Its blue-green leaves provide a striking contrast against the brick or stone of buildings, adding color and texture.
- Focal Point: The bold blue-green leaves and bright red berries make Blue Holly a standout focal point in the garden. Whether planted in a single specimen or in a group, this holly variety adds interest to any landscape, especially during the winter months when its berries persist.
- Wildlife Attraction: Like other holly species, Blue Holly attracts birds and other wildlife, making it a great addition to a garden designed to support local fauna. Its berries are a food source for birds during the colder months, and its dense foliage offers shelter and protection.
Overall, Blue Holly is an excellent option for gardeners looking to add a touch of color, texture, and hardiness to their landscapes. It provides year-round interest with its evergreen foliage and bright berries, while also serving functional purposes like privacy and wildlife support.
7. Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)
Overview
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) is a native evergreen shrub of the southeastern United States. Known for its resilience and adaptability, Yaupon Holly is particularly well-suited to a variety of growing conditions, from sandy soils to areas prone to drought. This plant has a long history of use among Native American tribes, both as a ceremonial plant and for its medicinal properties. Today, Yaupon Holly is popular in landscaping due to its ability to thrive in poor soil, its low-maintenance nature, and its attractive foliage and berries.
One of the unique features of Yaupon Holly is its ability to grow in coastal areas and withstand saltwater exposure, making it an excellent choice for seaside gardens.
Characteristics
- Height: Yaupon Holly can vary widely in height, from as small as 3 feet to as tall as 20 feet, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Some varieties remain compact and bushy, while others grow into taller trees or shrubs.
- Foliage: The leaves of Yaupon Holly are small, glossy, and dark green, creating a smooth and dense appearance. Unlike many other holly varieties, Yaupon Holly does not have spiny leaves, making it a gentler option for gardeners concerned with sharp foliage. The leaves provide a lush backdrop for its berries, creating a refined, elegant appearance.
- Berries: Yaupon Holly produces bright red berries, though some varieties may produce yellow berries instead. These berries appear in fall and persist throughout the winter, providing color and attracting birds and other wildlife.
Uses in Landscaping
Yaupon Holly is an incredibly versatile plant that can be used in a wide range of landscaping situations:
- Coastal and Drought-Tolerant Gardens: Yaupon Holly is especially valuable in coastal gardens or areas that experience dry conditions, as it tolerates sandy soils and salt exposure. It is well-suited for low-water landscapes, making it an excellent choice for drought-prone areas.
- Hedges and Borders: Due to its dense foliage and adaptability to pruning, Yaupon Holly is an ideal choice for hedges, borders, and privacy screens. It can be shaped into formal designs or left to grow more naturally, depending on the desired effect.
- Foundation Plantings: Yaupon Holly’s moderate size and evergreen nature make it a great option for foundation plantings around homes and buildings. It adds structure and greenery to the landscape while requiring minimal maintenance.
- Wildlife Garden: Yaupon Holly provides food for birds with its berries and offers shelter with its dense foliage. It is an excellent choice for creating a wildlife-friendly garden, attracting various bird species, including cedar waxwings, which enjoy the berries.
Yaupon Holly’s adaptability, drought tolerance, and ornamental beauty make it a top choice for gardeners looking to create a resilient, low-maintenance landscape that still provides color, privacy, and wildlife support.
8. Dwarf Holly Varieties
Overview
Dwarf Holly varieties are compact versions of traditional holly species, making them ideal for small gardens, containers, and urban landscapes. These smaller versions of classic holly trees offer the same beauty, evergreen foliage, and seasonal interest as their larger counterparts, but without taking up as much space. Dwarf hollies are perfect for gardeners with limited space or those looking for a smaller, more manageable shrub.
Many dwarf holly varieties are also excellent for container gardening, allowing gardeners to enjoy the beauty of holly plants in patios, balconies, or smaller yards.
Characteristics
- Height: Dwarf holly varieties generally grow to a height of 4 feet or less. Some varieties, such as Dwarf Burford or Dwarf Yaupon, remain even smaller, making them ideal for low-growing ground cover or container planting.
- Foliage: Dwarf hollies retain the dense, glossy leaves characteristic of larger holly species, but in a more compact form. The foliage is typically dark green and may have spiny edges, depending on the variety.
- Berries: Dwarf hollies often produce red or black berries, just like their larger counterparts. The berries provide seasonal interest and attract birds and wildlife, especially during the winter months when other food sources may be scarce.
Popular Dwarf Varieties
- Dwarf Burford Holly: This compact variety has glossy green leaves and bright red berries. It’s a low-maintenance plant that adds beauty to small gardens and containers.
- Dwarf Yaupon Holly: A spineless variety that is small, easy to maintain, and produces vibrant red berries. This variety is especially popular in coastal areas.
- Compacta: A small version of Japanese holly, Compacta is perfect for borders, rock gardens, or low hedges. It’s an excellent choice for adding structure to smaller spaces.
Uses in Landscaping
Dwarf Holly varieties are perfect for smaller spaces or urban environments. Here are some common uses:
- Ground Cover: Dwarf holly varieties are well-suited to serve as ground covers, providing year-round greenery and texture in small areas or along the edges of gardens.
- Container Gardening: Due to their compact size, dwarf hollies thrive in containers. They can be placed on patios, balconies, or even as part of indoor displays.
- Low Hedges: Dwarf hollies work well as low hedges or borders, adding structure and a touch of greenery without overwhelming the space.
These smaller versions of holly plants offer the same beautiful foliage and seasonal interest as their larger counterparts, but in a more compact and manageable form, making them a great choice for tight spaces or container gardening.
9. Sea Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
Overview
Sea Holly, also known as English Holly (Ilex aquifolium), is one of the most well-known and oldest holly species. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, Sea Holly is recognized for its iconic appearance—dark green, spiny leaves and bright red berries that provide festive color throughout the winter months. It has been used in landscaping for centuries due to its striking foliage and robust growth habits. This tree is commonly associated with classic holiday traditions, often appearing in wreaths, garlands, and other festive decorations.
Characteristics
- Height: Sea Holly can reach heights of up to 50 feet, although it is often pruned to maintain a more manageable size, typically around 15 to 25 feet. It has a pyramidal growth habit, creating a broad, dense canopy.
- Foliage: The glossy, dark green leaves of Sea Holly are leathery and spiny, making them highly distinctive. The sharp, jagged edges of the leaves are an iconic feature of the holly plant.
- Berries: Sea Holly produces bright red berries that persist throughout the winter, offering a classic touch of holiday color. These berries are a food source for birds, attracting wildlife to your garden.
Uses in Landscaping
- Privacy Screens and Hedges: Sea Holly’s dense foliage and spiny leaves make it an excellent choice for privacy screens and hedges. It forms a thick barrier, providing both visual and physical protection.
- Traditional Gardens: This holly variety is often used in formal or traditional gardens due to its classic look and festive appearance. Its dense growth and spiny foliage provide a sense of structure, while the berries add seasonal charm.
- Winter Interest: Sea Holly is an excellent plant for adding interest to your garden during the winter months. Its evergreen nature and bright red berries make it a focal point in winter landscaping, when many other plants have lost their leaves.
Sea Holly’s timeless appeal and robust nature make it a favorite among gardeners looking to create a classic, winter-ready landscape.
10. English Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
Overview
English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is the quintessential holly species that most people think of when they imagine holly plants. It is famous for its glossy, dark green leaves, bright red berries, and sharp spines. Native to Europe and western Asia, this holly species has been used in landscaping for centuries. In addition to its ornamental appeal, English Holly has symbolic associations with Christmas and winter, making it a popular choice for festive decorations.
Characteristics
- Height: English Holly can reach up to 40 feet in height if left unpruned. However, it is commonly kept smaller through pruning, especially when used in hedges or as a shrub.
- Foliage: The thick, shiny leaves are deep green in color and have sharp, spiny edges, making them visually striking. These leaves are evergreen, providing year-round color in the landscape.
- Berries: English Holly produces vibrant red berries that persist through the winter, adding a festive touch to any garden. The berries are an important food source for birds, particularly in colder months when other sources of food are scarce.
Uses in Landscaping
- Classic Hedges and Privacy Screens: English Holly’s dense foliage and ability to be pruned into formal shapes make it perfect for creating classic hedges or privacy screens. Its spiny leaves also act as a deterrent for unwanted visitors or animals.
- Festive Garden Designs: Because of its association with Christmas, English Holly is a favorite in holiday-themed gardens. Its bright red berries and spiny leaves create a festive atmosphere, especially when used in wreaths and garlands.
- Wildlife Habitat: Like other holly species, English Holly provides food for birds and shelter for wildlife. The berries are particularly important for birds in the winter months, and the dense foliage offers protection.
English Holly is the perfect choice for gardeners looking for a classic, festive plant that provides beauty, wildlife support, and year-round color.
Choosing the Right Holly for Your Landscape
With so many holly options available, choosing the right variety for your landscape can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help guide your selection:
- Climate Suitability: Consider the climate zone and soil type where you live. Some hollies are more cold-tolerant, while others do well in warmer or coastal areas.
- Space Requirements: Choose a holly that fits your garden’s size. Dwarf varieties are ideal for small spaces, while larger holly trees are perfect for open landscapes.
- Desired Look and Function: Decide if you want a holly for privacy, decorative berries, or seasonal interest. Hollies can serve a variety of purposes, from hedges and screens to ground cover and accent plants.
Conclusion: Adding Holly to Your Garden for Year-Round Beauty
Holly bushes and trees offer an incredible range of options for adding beauty, structure, and seasonal interest to your garden. With glossy foliage, vibrant berries, and a variety of shapes and sizes, hollies are versatile plants that enhance any landscape. Whether you’re looking for a privacy hedge, a festive addition, or a low-maintenance shrub, there’s a holly variety suited to your needs. Enjoy the year-round elegance of holly and the wildlife it attracts, bringing life and color to your garden in every season.