12 Types Of Holly Plants That Look Great Year Round
Winter’s festive atmosphere often features holly branches and berries as a staple in home décor. But beyond their decorative purpose, holly plants offer significant value in landscaping. With numerous varieties overlooked by gardeners, we’ve compiled a list of the best holly shrubs and trees to enhance your yard. As you read through each selection, you’ll gain insights into what makes each one remarkable, including growth requirements.
Upon reviewing the descriptions, you may notice recurring themes that highlight the unique qualities of these plants. Here’s a preview of those key takeaways:
Key Takeaways
All Ilex species share a common origin. One of the most striking aspects of holly plants is their stunning foliage, which serves as a primary ornamental feature. Notably, many popular holly varieties boast vibrant fruits that persist throughout the colder months. As for growth habits, hollies can take on tree-like or shrub-like forms, depending on the species and cultivation practices. Additionally, certain holly species are more adapted to specific regions within the United States.
12 Diverse Types of Holly Plants that You Might Not Have Heard of
American Holly (Ilex opaca)
The iconic American holly sets the tone for our list, being the most quintessential and classic holly variety in the United States. It’s no surprise that many Americans associate this species with the term ‘holly’ itself. As we explore other types of hollies, you’ll discover distinct differences in shape and appearance compared to the American holly. However, this timeless classic is certainly not one to be overlooked.
Its unique balance of spiky and glossy leaves, paired with clusters of vibrant red berries, ensures its enduring popularity as a stylish shrub that will remain a staple for years to come.
Blue Holly (Ilex x meserveae)
While most hollies on our list are naturally occurring species, the blue holly stands out as a deliberate hybrid cultivation. Botanically known as Ilex x meserveae, this unique shrub boasts leaves with a distinct blue undertone, diverging from the typical green foliage of its peers. The plant’s vibrant red berries add an extra layer of visual interest, creating striking contrast without the need for additional landscaping.
Carolina Holly (Ilex ambigua)
While the classification of a holly plant as a tree or shrub can be puzzling, the Carolina holly presents a unique case. Characterized by its pyramidal shape when mature, it bears a striking resemblance to a typical Christmas tree. Notwithstanding this arboreal appearance, the Carolina holly exhibits several distinct features that set it apart from other holly species.
One notable difference lies in the shape of its leaves, which while still tapering towards their tips, tend to be more rounded than those found on other common hollies.
Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta)
While ornamental value is a hallmark of many holly plants, Chinese holly stands out from the crowd with its striking foliage. The leaves of this variety are characterized by their sharp, glossy texture and nearly square shape, making them a standout feature even among other hollies. And yet, it’s not just the leaves that make Chinese holly special – clusters of red berries scattered throughout also add to its visual appeal, albeit with a slightly paler hue compared to some other holly shrubs.
Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine)
The dahoon holly’s distinctive characteristics set it apart from other holly varieties, making it a memorable choice. One notable feature is its growth habit, which includes a prominent main trunk – an uncommon trait among most hollies. This visible trunk supports a rounded canopy with subtle irregularities, giving the plant a distinct tree-like shape rather than a traditional shrub form.
The dahoon holly’s foliage is equally impressive, featuring rounded and elongated leaves that cluster together in loose formations around equally attractive clusters of light red berries.
European Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
The European holly, alternatively known as English holly or Ilex aquifolium, bears striking similarities to its American counterpart. In terms of foliage and fruit, the two shrubs exhibit parallel characteristics. Specifically, both species boast glossy leaves with multiple serrations on their margins. Furthermore, they share the distinction of bearing vibrant red berry clusters that add winter charm, a feature that sets them apart from many plants which fade into dormancy during this time.
Hedgehog Holly (Ilex aquifolium ‘Ferox Argentea’)
While we did highlight the blue holly as a naturally occurring species, the hedgehog holly is actually a cultivated variety that has been bred for its exceptional characteristics. This deliberate cultivation has resulted in leaves that are truly remarkable within the holly family. The leaves of the hedgehog holly display a predominantly green hue, but it’s the vibrant yellow spikes that really set them apart – and make this species one of the rare ones to showcase shades of yellow.
Its unique coloration is a testament to the skill of breeders who have carefully selected and nurtured this plant over time.
Inkberry (Ilex glabra)
While other hollies may steal the spotlight, the humble inkberry shrub often goes unappreciated. But we firmly believe it’s a species worthy of recognition. Not only does it boast an attractive appearance, but it also plays a vital role in supporting local wildlife as a vibrant native plant. The inkberry gets its name from the dark black fruits that grow on its branches.
With small, rounded leaves and a compact growth habit, this shrub is often overlooked despite being a valuable addition to any ecosystem.
Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)
The Japanese holly is a highly sought-after option for holly enthusiasts, rivaling the popularity of the American holly. Its leaves, small in size but big on visual appeal, boast a unique combination of curved, rounded, and glossy features. Pruning plays a crucial role in shaping these leaves to suit various designs, often resulting in neatly spherical forms.
Additionally, certain varieties of Japanese holly can be coaxed into striking narrow and upright shapes, offering a diverse range of creative possibilities for gardeners.
Longstalk Holly (Ilex pedunculosa)
The Longstalk Holly sets itself apart from other hollies with its unique appearance, which might make you question whether it’s even a holly at all. The plant’s distinguishing feature is the way its fruits dangle individually from long stems, rather than forming dense clusters like some other species. Furthermore, its pointed oblong leaves deviate from the typical shape of holly leaves, further adding to its distinctiveness.
During the blooming period, the Longstalk Holly produces tiny light green flowers that, while not particularly striking in terms of visual appeal, emit a sweet fragrance that enhances the plant’s charm. This pleasant scent is just one more way the Longstalk Holly manages to stand out from the crowd, making it an attractive choice for those looking to add some variety to their garden or collection.
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
While many holly shrubs boast broad-leaved evergreen foliage all year round, the winterberry stands out as a vibrant exception during the winter months. Despite shedding its leaves, it proudly displays some of the most brilliant red berries you can imagine, earning it its name and much of its ornamental appeal. These winter fruits not only provide a vital food source for birds when other options are scarce, but also serve as a stunning feature throughout the colder seasons.
The rest of the year, the winterberry shrub showcases lush deciduous leaves that fill out its natural, rounded shape.
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)
The yaupon holly is an exceptionally versatile option, capable of adapting to various growth forms. It can thrive in a tree-like shape or take on a more sprawling form with loose vegetation. What’s more, compact dwarf varieties are available, making it an ideal choice for gardeners with limited space. As with many hollies, the yaupon holly produces clusters of bright red fruits that often crowd the stem, adding a pop of color to its overall aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holly Plants
What is the Best Holly Plant?
While individual preferences naturally play a significant role in selecting the ideal plant within a category, certain holly species have earned a reputation for being more sought after than others. This doesn’t imply an inherent superiority over lesser-known varieties; rather, these popular options serve as an excellent starting point for those new to hollies.
The American holly, winterberry, Japanese holly, and European holly are often cited as top choices, but it’s essential to recognize that numerous other holly species can bring unique value to a landscape.
What is the Difference Between Japanese Holly and Holly?
While both Japanese holly and regular holly belong to the Ilex genus, they can be distinguished by their unique characteristics. The botanical name of a plant is crucial in identifying its specific species or type. For instance, Japanese holly is classified as Ilex crenata. A notable difference between Japanese holly and other hollies is the shape and color of its leaves and fruits.
Japanese holly features small, rounded leaves and dark black fruits, whereas many popular holly varieties boast red fruits and more intricate leaf shapes.
Is a Holly a Tree or a Bush?
When it comes to categorizing holly, the distinction between tree and bush is often blurred. While some species can grow quite large, their size notwithstanding, their morphology remains largely shrub-like. The shape and size of these larger hollies are influenced by pruning practices, which can further obfuscate any clear-cut distinction between tree and bush. Nonetheless, the prevailing consensus views hollies as a family of shrubs.
What is Holly Good For?
Holly plants boast a multitude of uses, both within and beyond the garden’s boundaries. One of the most striking aspects of these plants is their versatility in terms of décor. The glossy evergreen leaves and vibrant red winter fruits make for a stunning combination that can be leveraged to add a touch of elegance to any room or outdoor space during the winter months. Beyond mere aesthetics, holly plants also possess valuable landscape benefits.
Their size allows them to effectively screen out harsh winds and provide much-needed privacy. Furthermore, their attractive foliage and fruiting habits render them an excellent choice for garden design enthusiasts seeking to add a dash of visual interest to their outdoor spaces.
Is Holly Toxic to Humans?
Despite their eye-catching red berries, it’s crucial to discourage consumption by humans, children, and pets. While other parts of the holly plant are harmless, the fruits pose a risk. If ingested, symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, and more serious complications. To ensure safety, closely monitor any individuals or animals that approach your fruit-bearing holly plants. In reality, holly plants are far from being uniform; in fact, they exhibit considerable diversity.
This realization is exemplified by our list of different species. However, there’s still more to uncover about these fascinating plants, which is why we’ve decided to tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about holly plants in the following sections.
12 Graceful Types of Holly Plants with Majestic Leaves and Fruits
You’ve gained insight into several noteworthy holly species and intriguing facts about this refined plant family. The allure of holly plants lies not only in their showy fruits and foliage, but also in the unique characteristics that set each type apart. As you explore the list, you may have discovered a few unexpected traits or species that departed from your preconceived notion of what a typical holly should be like.
This newfound knowledge can serve as a valuable resource when selecting a shrub or small tree for your outdoor space. With this information in mind, one of the hollies featured on our list may prove to be an ideal choice for your yard.