Self Pollinating Holly

Burford Holly

• A type of Chinese holly, Burford is known for its glossy, deep green leaves, each tipped with a spine. Burford hollies have small, fragrant white flowers and bright red berries. The Burford holly has thorny, drooping branches that limit its use as a hedge shrub. It looks best when trained as a tall, vase-shaped specimen tree, notes the University of Florida IFAS Extension.

Nellie Stevens

• A vigorous tree that grows quickly to heights of between 15 and 25 feet, the Nellie Stevens cultivar has glossy green foliage and orange-red berries. Berries are produced in late summer and contrast brightly with its deep green foliage.

Foster's Holly

• Foster's holly is an excellent hedge holly with glossy, bright green leaves that each have between three and four spines. Its berries are profuse, crimson red and last throughout the winter. If left untrimmed, the Foster's holly can grow 20 to 30 feet tall with a spread of 10 to 15 feet.

J.C. Van Tol

• Slow-growing and well suited to shady spots, J.C. Van Tol is a hardy shrub. It has broad, spineless leaves on deep purple stems and is an excellent plant for feeding wildlife. Its red berries persist through winter. Golden Van Tol is a similar variety with a pinkish golden hue to the leaves. Silver Van Tol has leaves edged with creamy white.

Pyramidalis

• As its name suggests, this variety naturally grows into a pyramid shape. It prefers well-drained, moist soil and is a fast-growing plant. Its light, almost lime green leaves contrast brightly with red berries. Pyramidalis Fructu-Luteo is a similar variety with yellow berries. Other self-fruiting pyramidal hollies include Patriot, Liberty, Festive and Robin.

San Jose

• San Jose is a self-pollinating holly but it produces more fruit with a male nearby. Aquapern is San Jose's male counterpart. San Jose is pyramidal in shape with small, glossy green leaves and red berries. It often has has sparse foliage but this can be corrected with regular, heavy shearing.

Alaska

• Dark green and glossy leaves that are deeply toothed characterize the Alaska variety. Crimson berries contrast with dark foliage in this classic holly. Alaska grows upright in a conical habit.