A Complete Guide to Holly Shrubs: Planting, Watering, Fertilizing and Care

If you're looking for an easy-to-care-for privacy shrub that stays green all year and fits well in a small garden, Holly Shrubs (also called “Ilex”) might be just what you need.

Adding holly shrubs to your garden gives it structure, brightens up winter with a pop of color, and provides a lush, green background for other flowers during summer.

There are more than 400 types of Holly shrubs, varying in size and shape. Their shapes range from column-like and weeping to cone-shaped or round.

This post is a “complete guide” for a reason—you’ll find everything you need to know about growing and caring for holly shrubs in your yard or garden. Here’s a quick rundown:

Holly Shrubs Grow Guide: Key Takeaways

• The best time for planting holly bushes is spring or fall.

• Skip fertilizing during the first year. Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring of the second year, 

• Water your Holly deeply once a week, especially during the first year and during hot, dry spells. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.

• Light pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth appears will help maintain your Holly’s desired shape and size. 

• Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches from the stem. Replenish the mulch as needed throughout the year. 

• The berries of hollies are toxic to pets and children. 

• Popular varieties of Holly Shrubs include Japenese, Hoogendorn, Sky Pencil, Soft Touch, and Dwarf Yaupon. Each variant is available below $85 at PrivacyShrubs.com—Ameria’s trusted online store for plant varieties. 

When planning to grow a holly shrub, choose the type you want to plant first.  

Two popular options are American and English holly. They look alike, but English holly is often used in Christmas decorations.  

Meanwhile, holly plants are dioecious, meaning each plant is either male or female. 

Male flowers have noticeable, tube-like stamens that produce pollen, while female flowers have a round, green center that turns into berries if pollinated.

Holly Shrubs Common Types

Holly shrubs belong to the Ilex genus, with over 400 species in temperate, tropical, and subtropical regions.

These shrubs can be evergreen or deciduous and produce small white flowers in spring or summer. Their leaves are usually oval, elliptical, or oblong, with edges that may be wavy and often have sharp spines.

In this guide, we’ll focus on the most common varieties.

Common Winterberry

The common winterberry shrub stands out in winter landscapes with its clusters of bright scarlet berries.

This slow-growing shrub has a rounded, upright shape and spreads through suckers to form large thickets. The average height is around 3-15 ft. 

It thrives in wet environments like wetlands, bogs, and swamps but doesn’t tolerate extreme dryness.

Japanese Holly

Japanese holly is often shaped into topiaries. Its small, glossy leaves resemble those of boxwood shrubs. Instead of colorful berries, it produces black fruits.

Many cultivars of Japanese holly are compact, staying under 3-4 feet tall, like the variegated 'Golden Gem.' 

However, the 'Sky Pencil' cultivar grows tall with parallel branches, making it ideal for living fences. 

Yaupon Holly

Yaupon holly is an excellent choice if you stay in coastal areas since it tolerates salt well. It is also drought-resistant and maintains its vibrancy year-round. 

This evergreen shrub or small tree is often associated with holiday decorations due to its festive colors. Yaupon holly works well as an informal hedge or privacy screen and requires little maintenance.

Hoogendorn Holly

Hoogendorn Holly is a compact shrub with dark, glossy leaves which remain green year-round. This makes it an excellent option for hedges, borders, or foundation plantings. It grows well in both full sun and partial shade.

Many of our happy customers at Privacy Shrubs who have bought the Hoogendorn Shrub say it grows around 1-2 ft in height and spreads about 3-4 ft.

Holly Shrubs Identification: How to Spot Them

When it comes to identifying holly shrubs, it all depends on the species in view. So, we can look at it from two fronts: identification based on characteristics and then based on the leaves of the shrub. 

Holly Shrubs Characteristics

Here are some distinguishing characteristics of several poplar species based on their shape, bark, and size. 

Identification of Holly Shrub Leaves

You can also identify each holly shrub species by its leaves, which you can see from the table below: 

Holly Shrub Planting 

Now that you have a foundational knowledge of holly shrub varieties, the next important thing is planting. 

We recommend you buy a holly shrub plant readily germinated in a container. You can choose your preferred species from our catalog. 

You then allow for a mature size of 3-5 feet in height and 3-4 feet in width before planting. 

But before planting, be aware of the proper conditions for holly shrubs to thrive which is illustrated in the chart below: 

QUICK TIP:

• If your soil is lacking, amend it with peat moss or compost to create the ideal growing environment.

Best Planting Practices

Gently take your new plant out of its packaging. 

Place it outside in a shady spot, still in its nursery pot, and water it thoroughly. Leave it there for a day or two to adjust to its new surroundings.

When it’s time to plant, choose a location matching your plant’s needs for sunlight, soil type, and growing space.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant’s root ball but no deeper. Ensure the top of the root ball (the crown) sits at ground level.

Put your holly bush in the center of the hole. Fill around it with a mix of your soil and topsoil or compost (50/50 ratio). When done, the soil from the original pot should still be visible.

At this early phase, you don’t have to think about fertilizing. 

The nursery soil should provide sufficient nutrients for initial growth. The focus is on root development. Excess fertilizer can hinder this process.

Watering is important. (There’s a separate section for this later in this guide). But one critical thing is: water deeply three times a week to help the roots establish. 

During hot summer, a slow and steady watering method is best to encourage profound root growth. 

QUICK TIP:

• Using a watering bag like Treegator can make this easier.

Soil Requirements

Holly bushes prefer slightly acidic, fertile, and well-draining soil. Check your soil condition before planting and see if it needs adjusting. 

Here are some tips to improve your soil condition:

• Add compost, sulfur, or iron sulfate to manage alkaline soil

• Add multi-purpose, slow-release fertilizer and water soil thoroughly 

• Add sand or organic matter to improve soil drainage

• Add mulch over planted roots to enhance moisture and temperature regulation

What About How To Grow Holly From Cutting?

The idea is to grow the holly from a nursery pot when bought. 

However, a new plant grown from a cutting will frequently mature faster and flower sooner than one grown from seed. 

To grow new holly plants from cuttings, start by taking pieces from new growth on the holly bush. Cut these into lengths of about 6 inches (15 cm).

Meanwhile, the following approach depends on the type of holly shrub. 

FOR DECIDUOUS HOLLIES (THOSE THAT LOSE THEIR LEAVES IN WINTER):

Take cuttings when the plant is dormant, meaning it has no leaves. Look for small bumps on the stems, called bud unions—where new leaves will grow. 

After dipping the ends of the cuttings in rooting hormone, bundle them together with the dipped ends aligned.

Plant these bundles in a sunny spot in your garden. Dig a hole at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) deep, wide enough to fit the bundles. Place the bundles upside down with the cut ends facing up, about 6 inches (15 cm) below the soil. 

Cover them entirely with soil and mark the spot with a stake so you can find them in spring.

QUICK TIP: 

• Add a layer of moist peat before covering it with soil for extra care. 

In spring, holly bushes will start to grow, and you can transplant them or leave them where they are.

FOR EVERGREEN HOLLIES (THOSE THAT KEEP THEIR LEAVES YEAR-ROUND):

Take cuttings during cold weather. Remove all leaves except the top two sets. 

Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone and plant them 3/4 to 1 inch (2 to 2.5 cm) deep in coarse sand in a well-drained spot outside. 

Water regularly through the fall since sand dries out quickly, but stop watering in winter unless it’s scorched or there’s no snow. 

Begin watering again in spring and continue through summer. The cuttings should have enough roots to be transplanted by the following spring.

This method works well whether you bury the deciduous cuttings or plant the evergreen ones directly into the sand.

Watering Holly Shrubs

Holly shrubs grow best when their soil stays consistently moist, so regular watering is important.  

However, once they’ve matured, these hardy plants can handle short dry spells—talk about resilience!  

Water holly shrubs once or twice a week during hot and dry summers.  

You won’t need to water them as often if you live in a rainy area.

CAREFUL THOUGH —Holly shrubs are prone to root rot. Always check the soil before watering; only water them when the top layer is dehydrated.

WHEN YOU FIRST GET YOUR HOLLY PLANT

Water the soil around the base of your holly plant until you see water draining out from the bottom of the pot. This helps settle the soil around the roots and gives them the moisture they need to thrive.

DURING THE FIRST YEAR

Water your holly plant deeply once a week during its first year, especially in hot or dry weather. 

Consistent watering helps the roots grow strong. Keep the soil evenly moist, but don’t let it get too wet.

AFTER THE FIRST YEAR

Once your holly plant is well-established, it can handle dry periods better. 

Still, it benefits from regular watering during dry spells. Check the soil each week—water deeply when the top inch feels dry.

You can push your finger a few inches into the soil. If it feels damp, the plant doesn’t need more water.

QUICK TIP: 

• Instead of using your hands, a moisture meter can help you check the soil’s water level.

Holly shrubs can also show signs of water problems. Commonly, it’s either underwatering or overwatering. Let’s look into these in more detail. 

Underwatering vs. Overwatering Holly Shrubs

UNDERWATERING

If your holly's leaves are wilting or curling, it needs water. For an underwatered holly, simply water it more often. 

The leaves will droop and dry out, but with enough water, they’ll bounce back and become fuller. Adjust your watering schedule as soon as you notice underwatering.

Also, check the soil's moisture regularly, and make sure to water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

OVERWATERING

Yellowing leaves and soggy soil are signs your holly has had too much water. If the roots feel like a wet sponge, it’s time to cut back on watering.

Stop watering and let the soil dry out to fix an overwatered holly. If the soil feels too wet, repot the holly with well-draining soil and make sure the pot has drainage holes.

You can put it back in the pot without root rot. If you find rot, trim the affected roots and apply a fungicide to prevent further damage. Then, repot it in well-draining soil.

REMEMBER THIS: 

Outdoor plants, especially newly planted ones or seedlings, may not get enough water initially. 

So again, water regularly for the first few months until the roots are well-established. Once the roots grow, the plant can rely on rainfall. If your holly is in a pot, it’s easier to overwater, so be cautious.

If you accidentally overwater your holly, always act fast.

Fertilizing Holly Shrubs

There is no need to fertilize your new Holly upon arrival. The potting mix should have enough nutrients for the initial settling-in period.

In the early spring of the second year, provide the plant with a single application of a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.

When choosing the right fertilizer, a fertilizer with 8–10% nitrogen works well. To check the nitrogen level, look at the first number on the fertilizer bag. 

For example, a fertilizer labeled 10-20-20 has 10% nitrogen. Products for broad-leaved evergreens like azaleas and rhododendrons are also great for hollies. 

Some fertilizers are designed explicitly for hollies, such as Holly-tone.

Holly bushes prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.0. Many fertilizers for hollies can also help keep the soil acidic.

How to Fertilize Holly Bushes

First, remove the mulch around the bush's base so you can apply fertilizer directly to the soil.

Applying the Fertilizer:

• If using a complete fertilizer (8–10% nitrogen), apply half a pound (0.25 kg) of fertilizer for every half-inch (1 cm) of the trunk’s thickness.

• For compost or manure, spread a 3-inch layer of compost (7.5 cm) or 2 inches of manure (5 cm) over the area under the branches (this is called the root zone). 

• Work it into the top inch or two (2.5–5 cm) of soil without harming the roots.

QUICK NOTE: 

If using a specialty product like Holly-tone, follow the instructions on the packaging. 

For example, Holly-tone recommends using 3 cups per inch of trunk diameter for trees or 1 cup per inch of branch length for shrubs.

Don’t forget to water and mulch after. After applying the fertilizer, replace the mulch and water slowly and deeply. This helps the nutrients soak into the soil instead of washing away.

Holly Shrub Growth Rate and Zones

Several factors, such as soil quality and water availability, can affect a holly shrub’s growth rate. 

Holly Shrubs Growth Rate

The average growth of a holly shrub is around 3 to 5 feet annually, but some species can grow up to 8 feet. 

Aside from their species, other factors may affect poplar trees’ growth rate, such as:

Soil quality: Holly needs fertile soil with good aeration to grow properly. Lack of nutrition can stunt their growth, and compact soils can block roots from establishing.

Water availability: The right amount of water means ilex can grow properly while lacking it can lead to stunted growth. Too much water can lead to root rot and yellowing leaves.

Sun exposure: The last essential element is sun exposure. Lack of sun exposure can lead to holly shrubs that are weaker, have drooping leaves, and are prone to infestation. 

Holly Shrub Grow Zones 

Holly bushes are easy to grow, even for beginners. They thrive in full sun or partial shade and can adapt to various climates, from USDA zones 3 to 9. 

Before choosing a holly plant, check your Hardiness Zone to ensure it suits your area. 

Thanks to their versatility and adaptability, holly trees and shrubs are a favorite choice for gardeners across the United States. 

How Fast Do Holly Bushes Grow?

Holly trees grow at different rates, ranging from 6 inches to 3 feet per year. 

Some varieties, like Needlepoint Holly and Nellie Stevens Holly, are fast growers that can add up to 3 feet in a year. 

Oakland Holly is another fast-growing variety, typically growing up to 2 feet yearly.

How Big Do Holly Bushes Get? 

Holly plants come in different sizes depending on the type, growing space, and environment. 

Large Holly varieties like Oakland Holly, Robin Holly, and Nellie R. Stevens Holly can grow up to 25 feet tall. 

These varieties start with slow to medium growth but can add up to 24 inches per year once established. You can grow large holly shrubs if you want to create privacy screens,

Small Holly varieties like Ilex Compacta, Touch of Gold Holly, and Soft Touch Holly typically reach 2 to 4 feet tall and have varying widths. These species are ideal for hedges and borders.

Since they are smaller shrubs, they grow very slowly, making them great for low hedges and borders.

Holly Shrub Care and Maintenance

Holly plants need regular pruning and maintenance to ensure optimum growth. On the brighter side, there isn't too much work to do. 

Here’s how you can adequately prune them and prepare them before the winter months. 

Holly Shrubs Pruning Tips

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

It depends on the intensity of pruning. 

For light trimming, use sharp hand pruners or bypass shears. For thicker branches, you’ll need lopping shears or a pruning saw. 

Always clean and sharpen your tools to avoid harming your Holly.

BEST TIME TO PRUNE

Late winter or early spring is the ideal time to prune your Holly shrubs before new growth starts. This timing reduces stress on the plant and helps it direct energy toward fresh growth.

HOW TO PRUNE

We prune plants for different reasons. But generally, it’s for shaping or size control. 

In this case, choose the branches you want to cut, and make clean 45-degree cuts just above a bud or an outward-facing branch.

However, if you’re pruning for dead or diseased branches, follow the branch back to a healthy part of the stem and cut there.

QUICK TIPS: 

• Throw away the clippings once you’re done pruning. 

• Water your Holly thoroughly to help it grow new shoots. 

We also recommend that after pruning, you add a thin layer of mulch around the base to keep the soil moist and support healthy roots.

Landscaping Ideas for Holly Shrubs

Holly bushes can enhance your landscape in a variety of ways. 

For a welcoming touch, you could plant a small holly in a frost-proof container near your home’s entrance and decorate it with holiday lights for a festive appearance. 

Holly pairs beautifully with plants like witch hazel, hellebores, twig dogwood, winter heath, and early-blooming bulbs in winter gardens. Smaller holly varieties work well alongside other ornamental shrubs in foundation plantings. 

If you’re looking for privacy, upright evergreen holly types such as Sky Pencil holly make excellent hedges or natural screens along property lines. 

Meanwhile, dwarf varieties like Soft Touch holly can line pathways to add structure and define garden spaces.

Pros and Cons of Growing Holly Shrub

The promising and greenery benefits of growing holly shrubs can make it look like there’s no downside. But before you order this shrub in our store, take note of the following beaut and bend: 

There may still be other benefits and drawbacks, but these are the most crucial. 

Going by the list, there are more pros than cons, so we usually recommend Holly shrubs in a heartbeat. 

Common Issues with Holly Shrubs

As with most other plants, growers should anticipate some issues when growing or maintaining holly shrubs. These could be pests or diseases. 

Of course, these shrubs are resilient and are instead often affected by environmental conditions. Still, it’s good to know how to manage the common diseases peculiar to holly shrubs whenever they happen. 

Common Holly Tree Pests

Holly trees often face problems from pests like scale, mites, and holly leaf miners.

SCALE

If there are only a few scale insects, you can remove them by hand. For larger infestations, use horticultural oil to kill the insects and their eggs before new growth starts.

MITES

Spider mites can cause tiny spots and discoloration on holly leaves. Adding ladybugs to your garden can help reduce them naturally. You can also spray the leaves regularly with soapy water or insecticidal soap.

LEAF MINER

These pests leave yellow or brown trails in the middle of the leaves. Remove and destroy affected leaves. A foliar insecticide may be necessary to stop the problem.

Holly Tree Fungal Diseases

Fungal infections are a common issue for holly trees, especially tar spots and cankers.

TAR SPOT

This appears in cool, wet spring weather as yellow spots on leaves that turn reddish-brown or black and may leave holes. Remove and destroy infected leaves.

CANKERS

Cankers create sunken areas on branches that eventually die. Cut off infected branches to save the tree. Good air circulation and keeping the area clean can help prevent these problems.

Environmental Issues Affecting Holly

Some problems are caused by environmental factors rather than pests or fungi. For example, Purple spots on leaves can occur due to drought, injuries, or a lack of nutrients.

If other sharp leaves poke the leaves, there could be Gray spots with purple edges. 

Another common condition is Holly Scorch. It happens when sudden temperature changes in late winter, which turns leaves brown. 

QUICK TIP:

• In the case of Holly Scorch, providing shade can help protect sensitive plants.

Where to Buy Holly Shrubs

PrivacyShrubs.com is one of the best places to buy Holly shrubs online. 

When buying holly shrubs online, you want to pay attention to the variety, the tree's size and health, the seller's reputation, and shipping details. We take all this info seriously at Privacy Shrub. 

That’s why our catalog offers and ships a wide range of plant species and cultivars to all locations throughout the contiguous United States. 

Visit our site today to find the perfect holly shrub that will bring life to your yard with minimal effort.

[Watch how we ship your Holly shrubs to your doorstep]. 

FAQs About Holly Shrubs