Hollies
Hollies are a classic landscape favorite, known for their glossy green leaves and bright red berries that add color—especially in winter. With so many varieties available, there’s a holly for almost every garden situation.
Where to Plant Hollies
Hollies are fairly easygoing, but they do best with a few key conditions:
- Prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- Grow well in full sun to partial shade
- Benefit from protection against drying winter winds
Some varieties are especially adaptable:
- Inkberry and Winterberry tolerate wet soils
- Japanese holly can handle more shade, but needs good drainage
Planting Tips for Success
Proper planting makes a big difference in long-term health.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball
- Plant slightly high, with the top of the root ball just above ground level
- Use a loose, well-draining mix (soil, peat moss and perlite works well)
- Water thoroughly after planting to help roots establish
- Add 1–2 inches of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk
Watering Basics
Newly planted hollies need consistent moisture:
- Spring & summer plantings: Water 2–3 times per week at first
- Fall plantings: Water 1–2 times per week
- Always check soil—keep it lightly moist, not soggy
Once established, hollies typically need about 1 inch of water per week, especially during hot or dry periods.
Mulching & Pruning
- Maintain a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and protect roots
- Hollies respond well to pruning
- Prune after spring growth hardens off through mid-August
- Avoid fall pruning, as new growth can be damaged by frost
Light pruning for holiday décor is perfectly fine!
Winter Care Tips
Hollies continue to lose moisture in winter, so protection is important:
- Add extra mulch around the base after the ground freezes
- Water during warm winter spells
- Use burlap screens to protect from wind (avoid plastic covers)
These steps help prevent winter burn and keep plants looking their best.
How to Get Berries
Those bright red berries don’t just happen on their own!
- Most hollies have separate male and female plants
- You’ll need at least one male plant nearby (within about ¼ mile)
- One male can pollinate 6–10 female plants
Without a pollinator, female plants won’t produce berries.
Popular Types of Hollies
There’s a holly for nearly every landscape style:
Japanese Holly
- Small, smooth leaves (similar to boxwood)
- Compact and slow-growing
- Great for low hedges and foundation plantings
Blue Holly
- Classic spiny holly leaves with a blue-green tint
- Hardy and versatile in shape
- Excellent for borders and evergreen structure
Inkberry
- Smooth, rounded leaves
- Thrives in moist or even wet soil
- Ideal for hedges and mass plantings
Winterberry
- A deciduous holly (loses its leaves)
- Bright red berries stand out in winter
- Perfect for wet areas and naturalized spaces
Hollies are dependable, versatile and beautiful year-round, especially when those iconic berries appear. With the right planting location, a little seasonal care and proper pollination, they’re an easy way to add structure, color and winter interest to your landscape.
Whether you’re looking for a formal hedge, a native planting or a pop of winter color, there’s a holly that fits the bill.