All You Need To Know About The Holly

Known for their waxy, pointed, green leaves and bright red berries, hollies are a common choice for a Lowcountry landscape. Here in the Lowcountry, we have a large variety of hollies that are native to our land, as well as many that can be planted into landscapes. Hollies are tolerant of most growing conditions and require little maintenance, making them the ideal choice for a Lowcountry landscape.

Hollies are available in a wide variety of species and sizes: ranging from smaller shrubs to large understory trees (see below for recommended holly shrubs and trees). During the winter months, their notorious red berries on female plants are in full display: adding stunning winter color to landscapes and a wonderful cut flower addition to holiday arrangements or wreaths. During the summer months, their deep evergreen color creates a wonderful backdrop amongst blooming colors.

Ideas For Hollies In Your Landscape:

• Use as a pathway liner

• Use its evergreen color as a background color for upfront colorful plants

• Place between properties as a hedge or property line marker

• Place a dwarf species in a pot with festive lights for holidays

Understory Tree Varieties:

American Holly

Dahoon Holly

Eagleston Holly

East Palatka Holly

Fosters Holly

Nellie Stevens Holly

Robin Holly

Savannah Holly

Weeping Youpon Holly

Youpon Holly

Shrub Varieties:

Swarf Buford Holly

Carissa Holly

Swarf Youpon Holly

False Holly

Needle Point Holly

Note: Hollies are typically planted in groups, due to many species having male and female plants. Female hollies will only bear fruit when paired with a male holly.

Upright Youpon Holly

Robin Holly

Dahoon Holly