Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta) – Hardy Evergreen Shrub with Glossy Foliage & Bright Berries

Enhance your landscape with Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta), a durable and adaptable evergreen shrub known for its distinctive spiny foliage, vibrant red berries, and resilience in various conditions. This versatile plant is ideal for hedges, borders, privacy screens, and ornamental plantings, offering year-round greenery and seasonal color.

Key Features:

• Evergreen Beauty – Dense, glossy green leaves provide a striking backdrop in all seasons.
• Bright Red Berries – Female plants produce clusters of ornamental red berries, attracting birds and wildlife.
• Unique Foliage – Features distinctive, spiny-edged leaves that create a bold, textured appearance.
• Drought & Heat Tolerant – Thrives in hot, dry climates and requires minimal maintenance once established.
• Versatile Landscaping Use – Works well as a hedge, foundation plant, windbreak, or security barrier due to its dense growth and spiny leaves.

Product Details:

• Botanical Name: Ilex cornuta
• Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub
• Mature Height: 6–15 feet
• Mature Width: 5–10 feet
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerant of various soil types, including clay and sandy soils
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
• Pollination: Requires a male pollinator for female plants to produce berries

Planting Instructions:

• Seed Preparation: Cold stratify seeds for 60–90 days before planting.
• Sowing: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-drained soil; space shrubs 5–8 feet apart for hedges.
• Germination: Keep soil moist; germination may take 6–12 months.
• Transplanting: Move seedlings to their final location once they develop strong roots.

Care & Maintenance:

• Watering: Water regularly during the first year; drought-tolerant once established.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and size.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
• General Care: Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

With its striking foliage, bright berries, and adaptability, Chinese Holly is an excellent choice for adding structure, privacy, and seasonal interest to any landscape.