The majority of these are dioecious, so they require both a male and female plant within pollination distance of each other in order for the female to produce fruits. Photo by: Proven Winners. Blue holly (Ilex x meserveae) Remove dead or diseased branches when noticed. Email The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. Share: With more than 400 species, hollies are one of the most diverse groups of plants. Manner earlier than holly grew to become a normal Christmas tree; it was believed to be a particularly sacred plant by the Druids. … It is also a common shrub to use in rain gardens. This narrow holly shrub has a pyramid shape that works well in containers or as a standalone specimen plant. English holly (Ilex aquifolium) is one of the most common with its familiar glossy, dark-green spiky leaves and bright red berries used for Christmas displays. It has red berries that make for winter interest, provided you can keep the wild birds from eating them. Holly shrubs can be used hedges, foundation plantings, border screens, or even as specimen plants or rain garden plants. Nearly all of these variations can be sorted into four basic groups: English holly (glossy, spiny foliage); American holly (similar to its English cousin, but with duller leaves); Chinese holly (large glossy, spineless varieties); and hybrid holly. Japanese hollies are small bushes, 3 to 10 feet tall, with spineless leaves and black berries. The foliage grows from dark purple stems, and is small, glossy, and very spiny, like a hedgehog. Other names and varieties that come under the Japanese Holly are Convexa, Microphylla, Dwarf Pagoda, Green Lustre, etc. The foliage is quite large, around three inches in length, and is ovate with toothed edges. Scientific Name: Ilex x rutzan ‘Red Beauty’. A popular specimen holly is the Highclere (Ilex x altaclerensis), which reaches 20 to 30 feet in a handsome pyramid shape, is cold tolerant and has large red berries. The branches are densely packed together and adorned with tiny leather-like leaves, which are bright medium green in color. Whether you want the more common Nellie Stevens or American Holly, these shrubs are … The American Holly (Ilex opaca) is the traditional Holly most people think of and it is our best selling evergreen shrub; Most evergreen shrubs are long-lived and easy to maintain. But the similarities end there. Plus, they do not require heaps of water once established which makes it a beneficial shrub in areas that can be prone to spells of drought. Furthermore, holly bushes grow back even after all their branches are cut off. Last summer one bush started turning brown branch by branch and soon was completely dead. Aug 8, 2015 - Explore Pamela Ridgell's board "Holly bushes" on Pinterest. See more on hollies: How to Grow Holly Bushes Types of Holly. Holly Is there anything more quintessentially British than a holly tree? Certain holly bushes also bloom during specific seasons. Types of Holly and Holly Bushes With over 480 species of holly and a wide variety of species, today we’ll explore some of the more popular species you might encounter. I don't know the variety of holly. Some holly can grow into trees while others take a bush formation. Several species are cultivated as ornamentals for their distinctive foliage and red or black fruits, which persist into winter and are popular Christmas decorations. They are also found in parts of Asia and Africa. This deciduous form of holly is grown almost exclusively for its display of red berries. There is no doubt that evergreen Holly shrubs are much loved by both people and wildlife thanks to the bright red berries, they are great value and can live up to 300 years! It has dark green, ovate leaves with minor serrations around the edge. Winterberry is at its prettiest after it has lost its leaves. These stalwarts of the countryside are also available in “domestic” varieties that can be used in topiary, as feature plants or, of course, as a sturdy hedging plant. Help managing my Holly tree Hello all! Chinese Holly (I. cornuta) These evergreen shrubs have dark green leaves with pronounced spines. Both male and female holly plants will produce an abundance of greenish-white flowers in spring, but only those on a female holly that have been pollinated by a male will develop into showy berries. Holly shrubs and trees are truly iconic plants. Most often, these shrubs require a male and a female plant to produce berries on the female plants. Green leaves and red berries of a holly tree. It is a deciduous plant, losing its leaves at the end of fall to reveal a skeleton of silver-gray branches. While it enjoys full sun in the morning, it will need protection from the intense light and heat of the afternoon with some shade. How to Use Evergreen Shrubs in the Landscape Some of the options for getting rid of the holly bush are to remove it and its roots with a backhoe, pull it out by rope with your car or poison it. Leaves are dark green during spring and summer, but develop to purple and finally yellow before dropping. WINTERBERRY. Holly can be evergreen or deciduous and range greatly in size and shape. Also, like 'Hetz', it bears tiny leaves and black-colored berries. The berries are a food source for birds, but those which do not get eaten will persist through to winter, providing vibrant color to the winter garden. Types of Holly Shrubs There are many types of holly shrubs: English holly (Ilex aquifolium) is one of the most common with its familiar glossy, dark-green spiky leaves and bright red berries used for Christmas displays. This last option by far takes the longest. Learn more. This holly produces pure white blooms towards the end of spring, which will develop into glistening red berries when pollinated by a male counterpart. ; Hollies are dioecious; male plants produce pollen, and female plants produce berries. Hollies are also especially fast-growing, with Nellie Stevens Holly topping the list at 3 feet per year. And year-round visual interest is a guarantee. The shrub has a spreading habit and will grow as wide as it is tall, making it ideal for use as a decorative hedge or border. Holly bushes require two feedings per year, once in March and then again in September or October. 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. Look for a variety that does not need a male plant in order to produce berries, or else plant a female and male plant close together. But it also plays an important role in residential landscapes. This male holly is a dwarf variety that grows to between three and six feet tall. But as with all types of Ilex, you need a male and a female if you want the pleasure of a berry crop, since these are dioecious plants in which each specimen has either male or female flowers. This plant flowers abundantly in spring with tiny white flowers that can develop to shiny bright red berries when pollinated. In late winter before new growth emerges, thin out branches if plants appear overgrown. Along with the plants' attractive foliage, these red berries make the plant sufficiently pleasing to the eye to warrant using it as a specimen plant. This is an incredibly decorative type of holly, the winter branches of which are commonly used as decorating throughout the festive season. This plant has an architectural look, with an upright growth habit that forms a tall and slender column shape which does not need to be pruned. This species has an even greater tendency to sucker and spread than most hollies. Even when not in berry, the dark glossy foliage of holly is attractive and neat, it is usually prickly, but some types are more smooth. This plant enjoys moist soil, though it is drought-tolerant once established. We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Caution. To ensure berry production, provide a 'Blue Prince' as a pollinator. Specimen holly. Both male and female holly trees will flower, but only female holly’s which have been pollinated with a male holly will produce berries. Japanese Holly. This is a female variety of holly which produces tiny white flowers that precede black colored berries. Grown for their bright green, glossy leaves and contrasting red berries, hollies are an extremely hardy, long-lasting plant. Many types of evergreen holly are thorny shrubs that are easy to grow and require little maintenance once the hedgerow is established. The quintessential Christmas variety, for example, is English holly, which grows best in Zone 6. Birds and other wildlife enjoy feasting on the winter berries, and you can take cuttings during the holiday time and bring them indoors for a long lasting floral display. It produces small mid-green foliage, which holds its color all year round. By Robin Sweetser. Green Holly Bushes. It has the same evergreen, glossy leaves, with spiny edges, plus the same bunches of bright red berries as other holly bushes do. Holly and Berries image by TMLP from Fotolia.com. This species has an upright, rounded form, growing to as much as 8 feet tall. Like all holly plants, the American holly tree is dioecious, which means that a plant will either be male or female. Specimen plants are usually tall and can stand alone as a focal plant. Since some can grow over 60-feet tall, you will want to research their growth habit before you pick one out. Suggested plants to pair this with in order to encourage pollination and result in fruiting is male blue holly plants such as ‘blue prince’ and ‘blue stallion.’. Holly trees and bushes encompass more than 400 plant species. Share: It’s red berry time and with bunches of fresh holly leaves and berries or branches of winterberries going for $5 to $10, it only makes sense to get a few of these beautiful and easy to grow shrubs established in our own yards. It needs to be grown in acidic soil, as these plants grown in neutral or alkaline soils tend to struggle and die. Grown for their bright green, glossy leaves and contrasting red berries, hollies are an extremely hardy, long-lasting plant. ; Chinese holly (I. cornuta) is one of the few types of holly shrubs that can actually produce berries without male pollination.These berries vary in color from red, dark orange to yellow. Previous owner planted it about 19 years ago. There's a lot more information about these wondrous plants that could make you marvel on its value. Any variety of male blue holly (Ilex x meserveae) can be used to pollinate the red beauty holly, which will result in juicy round red berries. A bush less than two feet from a house can threaten the foundation, given enough time. Alternatively, another use for this holly shrub in foundation plantings is at the corners of a house (for a "bookend" effect). Holly’s big plant family includes hundreds of varieties that range from 70-foot-tall trees to petite shrubs less than a foot tall. It is a deciduous shrub with deep green, ovate leaves that have serrated edges. The berries are generally black, but on some Japanese Holly bushes, they are a shade of golden yellow. Holly’s big plant family includes hundreds of varieties that range from 70-foot-tall trees to petite shrubs less than a foot tall. It is these ink colored berries that give the plant its common name of ‘inkberry holly.’, Special Features: Architectural structure. Christmas Tree Economics: Are Baby Boomers Killing the Christmas Tree Industry? The different types of hollies in this group include Burfordii, which is one of the most popular cultivars for hedges, and O. A lone Holly tree in the fields. With over 480 species of holly and a wide variety of species, today we’ll explore some of the more popular species you might encounter. It has won the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society (Royal Horticultural Society). Holly plant is attractive and valuable for its bright leaves and colorful berries. In fact, some trees have “dwarf” varieties that look much more like a bush than a tree. Since most are evergreen and many have colorful berries, they are a boon to the snowy landscape, making them symbolic of winter and the Christmas season. If you are keen to grow a holly hedge on your property, then there should be a type of holly you can find to suit your climate, as long as you are not in a climate with extreme heat or extreme cold. Only the female plants produce berries, which are also a source of food for wildlife. Admired for its glossy green foliage year-round, and the radiant red berries that grow in the fall, it's a go-to for privacy. It produces small green-white berries that can be pollinated with female flowers in order for those plants to fruit. Hollies are dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female plants. It suckers rather profusely, but cultivars such as 'Shamrock' are better behaved in this regard. Chinese holly (I. cornuta) is one of the few types of holly shrubs that can actually produce berries without male pollination. Easy-Care Evergreen + Pops of Vibrant Color Why Oregon Grape Holly Shrubs? Like the 'Hetz' cultivar, 'Sky Pencil' is an Ilex crenata (Japanese holly). It is a female variety which, when pollinated by a male, will develop attractive blue-black berries. New southern living plant collection 2 5 qt. Identify the type of holly bush by the leaves. The female clone of lIex x meserveae is a 3- to 12-foot shrub with the familiar glossy, toothed leaves common to most hollies. American holly is slow-growing and should be planted in a position of partial shade. These types of easy to grow shrubs can transform your garden with minimal … This female holly has a vigorous growth pattern, which forms a compact pyramid shape. It is well suited to cold climates and is hardy down to USDA hardiness zone 3. Learn more about each type to find the right fit for your garden. These types of bushes have a very dense growth habit, and it makes it difficult to see through them. If you live in zone 4, your best choices are simple – the Meserve Hollies with the original ‘Blue’ names of Mrs. Meserve. 'Blue Princess' is not so much blue, as a dark green with a bluish cast. Carissa holly is drought and heat tolerant, making for a hardy shrub. Consumption of the attractive berries is especially problematic since as few as 20 berries are enough to be fatal to a small child. The spiny leaves of this female blue holly are a dark blue-green color with a glossy finish. These leaves will transform into a purple-yellow color in fall, before turning entirely yellow and falling to the ground. These evergreen hedging plants have leaves with spiked edges that help keep trespassers out of your yard. These bushes are dark evergreen plants with bright-colored berries which serve as a great source of food for birds and herbivores. The berries persist all through winter, looking exceptionally striking on the skeletal frame of the tree once all the leaves have dropped. This broad tolerance offers versatility—which, in turn, gives you plenty of reason to grow it if your landscape is plagued by such challenging conditions. Holly is an ancient plant that has been used by former civilizations for decoration and ceremonial reasons. January 29, 2019 . This type of holly is also commonly known as ‘Yule Holly and ‘Christmas Holly,’ as it is popularly used in wreaths and other decorations over the festive period. All four produce the shiny green leaves and red berries we associate with "Christmas holly." It is known for having very good performance in damp, wet locations. This compact holly bush forms a neat pyramid shape, looking pruned and well-kept with no effort at all. These fast-growing privacy trees are often pruned as hedges, blocking out unwanted noise and intrusions. Holly bushes grow to be quite large. Make sure you choose a plant that’s the right size for your landscape — and that will thrive in your climate. Some holly bushes grow to about 6 … Main Ornamental Holly Types There are 4 main types of ornamental hollies: Blue Holly - Ilex meserveae - these have the typical holly shaped leaves and are evergreen shrubs. Compare 6 different types of commonly grown holly bushes By Janet Loughrey. Types of Holly Shrubs and More Nellie Stevens Holly A mix between a Chinese and English Holly, Nellie is admired for its glossy green foliage year-round and the radiant red berries that grow in the fall. Shrub types of holly bushes 18 species of holly plants. Within this specific genus, there are around 480 evergreen and deciduous plants. A male plant must grow within 30 to 40 feet of a female for good fruit production. Holly of any type require no pruning at all. Nellie Stevens is a popular tree-form type in the American Southeast, though in most parts of the country, it is the shrub forms that are more popular. Determining the type of holly you are dealing with will help you plan the best pruning for that specific bush. This shrub has a vigorous growth habit and will thrive in a wide range of soil types, though it prefers a well-draining and slightly acidic soil. Greenery and pops of contrast. This holly plant is native to the central and eastern United States, and has an upright habit which grows to take the shape of a tall pyramid. They can grow up to considerable heights like 60 feet and above. It can grow from seed (in berries) and vegetatively. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board, 'Blue Princess' Holly (lIex x meserveae 'Blue Princess'), 'Hetz' Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata 'Hetzii'), 'Sky Pencil' Holly (Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'). The colorful berries persist through winter and make this plant interesting throughout every season of the year. Tiny white flowers appear on this female holly bush in the spring, which will develop into bright red round berries in the fall if the blooms were pollinated by a male holly bush. Foliage is dark deep green, with a creamy white margin around the outer edges. Damn, that’s a lot of holly. This plant is a female species of holly and will need to be pollinated by a male blue holly in order to produce fruits. Due to its ability to cope with wet soil, it is one of the few holly plants which do not require well-draining soil. They make dense, colorful hedges favored by birds for sheltered nesting spots. Also known as ‘meadow holly,’ this is a loosely branched tree that forms a wide, open, rounded shape. The Spruce / Autumn Wood Holly trees and shrubs fall within the Ilex genus of plants—the only genus of the Aquifoliaceae family. If space is limited, sometimes a tree will fit where a shrub won't. The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. Slow release shrub fertilizer mixed with soil. Some holly bushes grow to about 6 feet tall, while others can reach 50 feet and higher! Different types of holly have varying care needs, with some being drought-tolerant and some preferring boggy soil. The branches are covered in small, leathery leaves, which typically measure a little over an inch long. Timing. 6 Picture Gallery: 12 Different Types of Holly Bushes and Trees . The following list is organized in alphabetical order by common name. View our range of holly below. It will naturalize easily, so prune away suckers if you want to prevent this. Holly tree (llex ) is a member of the family of low-maintenance and evergreen plants, which can grow up from 12-inch bushes to 50 feet big trees. Identify holly bushes by looking at various parts of the plant. Now we offer you the solution – the Blue Prince and Princess Holly Bush. Holly Bushes for Zone 5 If you live in zone 5, with winter lows going down to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you have a lot of choices, so it won’t be hard to find a cold-hardy holly for your garden. Furthermore, holly bushes grow back even after all their branches are cut off. Different types of holly have varying care needs, with some being drought-tolerant and some preferring boggy soil. Many varieties of holly offer variegated leaves. 9 Different Indoor Tropical Plants - Growing Guides & Photos. This plant is not easily identifiable as a type of holly, and instead commonly gets mistaken for boxwood. More From Doityourself Related Posts. Species of common holly are another type of privacy shrub that has prickly foliage to increase security. Holly, genus of some 600 species of shrubs and trees in the family Aquifoliaceae, distributed nearly worldwide. Too, if a large holly as outgrown the space it was intended to fill, and is growing out and over a walkway, tree forming can be an option that allows people to walk under the tree. Growing Holly Bushes: Popular Varieties. The cultivar Ilex aquifolium ‘Rubricaulis Aurea’ is an English holly with variegated leaves. These bright fruits emerge in great abundance, making this one of the most prolific fruiting evergreen holly plants. This dwarf evergreen holly has a rounded habit that makes it well suited to container growing. Holly with Red Berries. This plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and will thrive in both wet or dry soils. Ilex aquifolium ‘Silver Queen’ Ilex aquifolium ‘Silver Queen’ is grown for its distinctive foliage – it has … This feature makes 'Sky Pencil' popular in landscaping around front entries; such columnar plants effectively frame an entrance. Although many species can reach upwards 50 feet, many landscapers choose to prune the tree to a more manageable height. They grow best in zones 2 to 7, and they need partial sun to thrive. The berries should not be ingested and can cause stomach irritation if eaten. This specially-bred holly will survive temperatures of minus 30, so it can be grown in all but the coldest parts of the country. Holly Bushes for Zone 4. The choice to prune is up to you. These were brewed to make teas, consumed in large quantities, and then vomited back out. The foliage is deep green, narrow, and smooth-edged, with tips that are flushed with red in spring. At the time I suspected something had destroyed the roots, or maybe the roots were too wet from all the rain. The cultivar name of this plant gives a good indication of its signature feature—this is a bush that is extremely narrow relative to its height. The growth forms also can vary from upright to weeping types. This bush is easy to take care of and makes a wonderful addition to the winter garden. The leaves have the familiar glossy dark green color, but without the sharp teeth found on most hollies. This holly grows 3 to 12 feet tall, with the dark-green toothed leaves common to hollies. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. The majority of these are dioecious, so they require both a male and female plant within pollination distance of each other in order for the female to produce fruits. American Holly. This deciduous holly gets its name from the golden orange berries it produces in abundance throughout winter, following the green-white flowers that arrive late in the season, from late spring to summer. It prefers moist soil, but it does have some tolerance against drought when established. Holly Plant Care: It Takes Two! Holly plants are available in two forms; holly trees and holly scrubs. They are produced on purple stems along with small white blooms in spring. There is no doubt that evergreen Holly shrubs are much loved by both people and wildlife thanks to the bright red berries, they are great value and can live up to 300 years! Different types of holly bushes are used widely in flower gardens all across Europe and America. Altaclere Holly (Ilex x altaclerensis) The following list is organized in alphabetical order by common name. American Holly and Other Great Hollies for Winter, 10 Best Evergreens for Privacy Screens and Hedges, 29 Shrubs That Grow in Full or Partial Shade, 10 Best Deer-Resistant Shrubs for Landscaping, 15 Recommended Flowering Shrubs for Your Home, Growing American Holly and Related Plants, 15 Red-Flowering Plants to Consider for Your Garden. The difference between a shrub and a tree is rather ambiguous. They come in a range of s… Most types of Japanese holly do not grow beyond 12 feet in height. The berries of holly plants are considered toxic to humans and many animals, including cats and dogs (though not birds). They tolerate hot temperatures but sustain winter damage in areas colder than USDA plant hardiness zone 6. Variegation usually occurs in yellow or cream. Holly are generally deer, pest and disease resistant. English holly grows rapidly 7 to 10 m tall, casting deep shade that deprives native plants of light. Habit: Highly variable, Japanese holly plants come in an array of forms, including rounded, upright, spreading, columnar and pyramidal. The German hybrids have more European Holly in them, and they are not as hardy. Types of Holly Bushes. Pruning methods for hollies will differ based upon the type of holly and whether or not they produce berries, and the desired form and function in the landscape. You can also plant decorative bushes with various colors of leaves such as purple, red, and multicolored ones. 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. Unlike 'Blue Princess', this bush bears black-colored berries. Ilex spp. They are hardy and can be pruned severely. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. With the arrival of spring comes a mass of tiny creamy green flowers, which on female plants will develop into bright orange-red berries if pollinated by a male holly. The foliage of the plant has a leather-like texture, is dark green, and has moderately sharp spines. Nearly all of these variations can be sorted into four basic groups: English holly (glossy, spiny foliage); American holly (similar to its English cousin, but with duller leaves); Chinese holly (large glossy, spineless varieties); and hybrid holly. This is another black-berried holly shrub, thus its common name, inkberry. The English Holly ( Ilex aquifolium ), is not hardy below zone 6, and the best choices for zone 5 are Japanese Holly ( Ilex crenata ), American Holly ( Ilex opaca ), and the Meserve hybrid hollies. Horticultural Society ( Royal Horticultural Society ) reach upwards 50 feet, many landscapers choose prune... Variegated varieties like this do tend to perform better in full sun drought heat! Or October dark green during spring and summer, but without the sharp teeth found on hollies... The only genus of some 600 species of holly. which forms a pyramid... Black, but on some Japanese holly. flushed with red in spring, an abundance of creamy green flowers. The foundation, given enough time, glossy leaves and black-colored berries fine border for a shrub! Most often, these shrubs are … holly bushes by Janet Loughrey the best of! Partial sun to thrive enough to be pollinated with female flowers in the spring for added.... 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Than most hollies with types of holly bushes spines through them with some being drought-tolerant and preferring! Gets its botanical species name of ‘ inkberry holly. ’, Special Features: Architectural structure to.