Holly (Ilex spp.) is an evergreen plant that is commonly used in landscaping as a hedge or screen because of its:
- Dense growth: Holly is known for its ability to grow into a dense, compact hedge. The plants have small, glossy leaves that provide year-round interest and help to block out unwanted views and noise.
- Versatility: Holly can be grown in a wide range of shapes and sizes, so it can be used to create formal or informal hedges. It can also be trimmed into a variety of shapes, such as round, square, or cone-shaped.
- Evergreen: Holly is an evergreen plant, which means it retains its leaves throughout the year. This provides a constant source of greenery in the garden, even during the winter months when other plants may be dormant.
- Cold tolerance: Many varieties of holly are able to tolerate cold weather, making them a good choice for hedges in areas with cold winters.
- Attracts wildlife: Holly is a popular plant for birds and wildlife, as the plants produce bright red berries that provide food during the winter months.
Holly (Ilex spp.) can be grown in a wide range of climates. Many varieties are able to tolerate cold temperatures and can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. In zone 4, holly can survive winter temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C). In zone 9, it can tolerate temperatures as high as 20°F (-7°C).
However, it is important to note that holly is a broad term that encompasses many different species and cultivars, and the specific hardiness of a particular variety may vary. Some holly varieties may be more cold-tolerant or heat-tolerant than others, so it is important to choose a variety that is suited to your climate.
There are many different varieties of holly, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are a few common varieties and their characteristics:
- English holly (Ilex aquifolium): This is a classic holly variety that is known for its glossy, spiny leaves and bright red berries. It can grow up to 30 feet tall and wide and is hardy in zones 6 through 8.
- American holly (Ilex opaca): This variety is native to North America and is known for its glossy, spiny leaves and red berries. It can grow up to 50 feet tall and wide and is hardy in zones 5 through 9.
- Dwarf yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’): This is a compact, slow-growing variety that is ideal for use in smaller gardens. It has small, glossy leaves and red berries and can grow up to 4 feet tall and wide. It is hardy in zones 7 through 10.
- Japanese holly (Ilex crenata): This is a dense, compact variety that is often used in formal gardens. It has small, glossy leaves and black berries and can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide. It is hardy in zones 6 through 8.
- Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta): This is a type of holly that is native to China and Japan. It is an evergreen plant that is known for its glossy, spiny leaves and red berries. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach a height of 10 to 15 feet and a spread of 8 to 10 feet. It has a dense, rounded growth habit and is often used as a hedge or foundation plant in landscaping.The leaves of Chinese holly are glossy, dark green, and spiny, and they are arranged in a spiral pattern on the branches. The plant produces small, red berries in the fall and winter, which are a favorite food of birds and other wildlife. Grows in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 9.
- Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata): This holly variety is known for its bright red berries, which are especially prominent during the winter months. It can grow up to 15 feet tall and wide, and it is hardy in zones 3 through 9.
- Inkberry holly (Ilex glabra): This holly is native to the eastern United States and produces small, black berries in the fall and winter. This slow-growing plant can reach a height of 5 to 8 feet and a spread of 4 to 6 feet. It has a dense, rounded growth habit and is often used as a hedge or foundation plant in landscaping. Grows in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9.
- ‘Winter Red’ holly: This is a cultivar of the American holly that is known for its bright red berries and dense, compact growth habit. IIt is hardy in zones 5 through 9 and can grow up to 15 feet tall and wide.
Because Holly is such a diverse plant, it is incredibly important to check your zone and growing parameters when choosing which species for your hedge. After all, you may not want a 15-foot tall tree in front of your living room window.