What they do
Hollies add year-round structure and can provide flowers for pollinators and berries for wildlife when conditions are right.
Plant profile
Hollies
Genus Ilex
Hollies (Ilex spp.) are evergreen or deciduous shrubs and trees known for glossy leaves and bright berries that add year-round structure and seasonal color to gardens.
Plant Type
Trees > Hollies
Aliases
Holly
Native Range
Varies by species across multiple regions worldwide; choose locally appropriate species when possible.
Bloom window
Spring to early summer (varies by species)
OVERVIEW
About This Plant
Hollies (Ilex spp.) are versatile woody plants that can fit into many garden styles—from formal hedges to naturalistic plantings. Because the genus includes many species and cultivars, the best results come from matching the plant to your site (light, soil, and space) and deciding what you want most: evergreen screening, a small tree form, or winter berries.
If berries are your goal, plan ahead. Fruiting depends on the type of holly and whether it gets properly pollinated. When shopping, ask how that specific variety sets fruit and what it needs nearby.
For pollinator-friendly gardening, hollies work best as part of a bigger plan: pair them with a mix of flowering plants that bloom from spring through fall, and skip pesticide use so visiting insects can do their work.
Best role for pollinators
Evergreen structure, hedges and screens, winter interest, and gardens that want a long-lived woody plant with seasonal berries.FAST FACTS
Quick Details
Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Holly |
| Bloom window | Spring to early summer (varies by species) |
| Typical height | Varies widely by species and cultivar—from compact shrubs to small trees |
| Pollinators supported | Bees, Flies |
| Light & moisture | Sun to part shade; moisture needs vary by species—aim for evenly moist, well-drained soil while establishing. |
| Best roles for pollinators | Evergreen structure, hedges and screens, winter interest, and gardens that want a long-lived woody plant with seasonal berries. |
SUMMARY
If You Remember Three Things
A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.
What they need
A site with the right light and soil for the chosen holly, plus steady watering while it establishes.
One best action
Choose a holly suited to your space and plan for pollination (often by planting compatible plants) if you want berries.
IMPACT
Why Plant This?
Hollies can contribute to a more layered garden with shelter, seasonal flowers, and (when pollinated) berries that extend interest beyond bloom time.
Not all hollies look the same—some are evergreen, some are deciduous, and leaf shapes can range from smooth to very spiny depending on the species and variety.
Key Impacts
What it Supports
- Woody plants like hollies can make a garden feel more stable and sheltered, which helps many small creatures.
- Holly flowers can offer nectar and pollen at a time when many gardens are just getting started.
- Berries and dense branches can add seasonal food and cover in urban and suburban landscapes.
RECOGNITION
Identification Guide
Look for a woody shrub or small tree with distinctive leaves and (in season) berries.
Leaves
Usually evergreen and glossy, sometimes with spiny teeth; some hollies are deciduous with smoother leaves.
Flowers
Small, often white flowers in clusters; not showy from a distance but noticeable up close.
Fruits
Berry-like fruits that can be red or other colors depending on the type; fruiting depends on the plant and pollination.
LOCATION
Where It Grows
Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.
Habitats
- Woodland edges
- Hedgerows
- Urban and suburban gardens
Where it is often used
- Hedge or privacy screen
- Foundation planting
- Windbreak in a sheltered spot
- Winter-interest focal point
- Container feature (choose a compact type)
SEASONALITY
When It Blooms
Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.
Bloom window
Holly bloom timing depends on the species and local conditions, but many flower in spring to early summer.
Bloom Season Role: Support plant (small flowers; bigger impact comes from fruit and shelter later).
Seasonal benefits
- Adds another flowering window to a garden that’s building up for summer
- Can complement spring bulbs and early perennials nearby
REQUIREMENTS
What It Needs
The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.
Sun exposure
Many hollies do well in sun to part shade; more sun often means denser growth, while part shade can help in hot, exposed sites.
Soil type
Well-drained soil is a good starting point; avoid spots that stay soggy for long periods unless you’ve chosen a type that tolerates it.
Moisture needs
Water regularly during the first growing season; after that, water during long dry spells, especially for plants in full sun or containers.
Planting method
Plant at the same depth as the pot, loosen circling roots, and give it room to reach its mature width.
Mulching tips
Mulch with leaves or wood chips to keep roots cool and conserve moisture, keeping mulch a little away from the trunk.
GARDENING GUIDE
How to Grow It
Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.
Planting tips
- Pick a spot with the right light and enough space for the holly’s mature size.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and wider than the pot.
- Gently loosen or slice any circling roots so they can grow outward.
- Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill, water deeply, and add a mulch ring (not touching the trunk).
Seasonal care
- Water during dry spells, especially in the first year and for container plants.
- Prune lightly to shape after the main flush of growth; avoid heavy pruning right before winter.
- Refresh mulch yearly and keep the base of the trunk clear.
- If berries are important to you, plan for compatible plants and avoid removing all flowering wood when pruning.
What not to do
- Expecting berries from a single plant without checking how that holly fruits.
- Planting in a tight corner where the holly outgrows the space and needs constant shearing.
- Letting a new planting dry out, especially in sun or wind.
- Using broad-spectrum pesticides to ‘solve’ leaf or insect issues.
Pairings
Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom
Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.
Early Bloom
- Spring bulbs (nearby, not crowded)
- Early woodland perennials
Mid-Season Bloom
- Native or non-invasive flowering shrubs
- Summer-blooming perennials
Late-Season Bloom
- Late-season perennials for continuous bloom
- Ornamental grasses for winter texture
Many hollies have sharp leaves—place them where people and pets won’t brush against them on narrow paths.
GLOSSARY
Key Terms
A few quick terms you may see when shopping for hollies:
Glossary terms are being added.
What You Can Do
Make a difference for native habitats.
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.