Holly bushes are beloved for its iconic red berries, bringing a splash of color to the winter landscape. There are many varieties of holly plants. Silver Holly and English Holly have prickly leaves while the Japanese Holly have the more rounded leaves. Holly bushes are a popular choice for hedges because of its dense, evergreen foliage. It is also a deer resistant shrub. Holly bushes can tolerate shade and will thrive well in locations with partial shade. Holly plants should be planted in soil with good drainage protected from harsh wind. It thrives in USDA Hardiness zones 6-8.
Types of Holly Bushes
The most common and popular types of holly bushes are the English holly and Silver Holly.
English Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
English Holly are your quintessential holly bushes with red berries, dark green, glossy, prickly leaves.
Silver Holly (Ilex opaca ‘Steward’s Silver Crown’)
Silver Holly is a type of American holly characterized by its green leaves with yellow borders.
Holly Bushes with Red Berries
Holly bushes are dioecious, that means holly plants are either a female plant or male plant. Female holly bushes produce red berries while male holly bushes don’t produce berries. Female holly bushes needs to be planted near a male holly bush in order to produce red berries.
Read our article: No Red Berries on Holly Bush? Find out Why!
Are Holly Bushes Shade Tolerant?
Holly bushes are shade loving shrubs. It can be planted in partial shade with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight. A shady spot that receives a few hours of morning or afternoon sun or a shaded spot in the garden that receives filtered sunlight from overhead tree foliage are good for holly bushes. Shelter holly bushes from harsh wind specially in areas with colder climate.
Read our article: Best Evergreen Shrubs for Shade
Holly Bushes USDA Hardiness Zone
Holly bushes will grow well in USDA Hardiness zones 6-8.
What type of Soil is Best for Holly Bushes?
Holly bushes should be planted in moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.
How Fast Can Holly Grow?
Holly bushes are slow growing evergreen shrubs. Growing approximately 4 to 8 inches a year.
How Tall Can Holly Grow?
Holly bushes can grow to 15 feet with a spread of 8-10 feet wide.
Are Holly Bushes Deer Resistant?
Holly bushes are deer resistant shrubs.
What is the Ideal Spacing When Planting Holly as Privacy Hedge?
Space your Holly 1.5 to 2 feet apart for privacy hedge.