Self-Pollinating Holly Shrubs

Types of Holly

• Holly plants vary in their growth habit, height and cultural requirements. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension notes that the Chinese holly, Ilex cornuta, is a resilient shrub for eastern North Carolina and is tolerant to black root rot. Native to North America, the American holly, Ilex opaca, grows to heights of 40 to 50 feet and forms a pyramid or conical canopy. The English holly, Ilex aquifolium, is slow-growing, similar to the American holly and prefers well-drained soils.

Burford Holly

• Ilex cornuta “Burfordii,” also known as Burford holly, is a self-pollinating holly. Female plants do not require a male counterpart to develop their beautiful berries. Reaching heights of 15 to 25 feet in southern landscapes, this holly is evergreen and provides winter berries. Burford holly is a tough urban tree, tolerant to flooding, drought and a range of soil conditions. Its resilient nature lends itself to plantings in parking lots and highway medians. It is not considered invasive, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension.

Nellie Stevens Holly

• The Nellie Stevens holly shrub is a hybrid of a Chinese holly, Ilex cornuta, and English holly, Ilex aquifolium. Like the Burford holly, the Nellie Stevens holly is also self-pollinating. No male plant is necessary for female plants to bear bright orange-red berries. Nellie Stevens holly is hardy to USDA Zones 6 to 9 and grows 15 to 35 feet tall, forming a pyramidal shape with dense foliage.

Growing Holly

• A majority of hollies thrive in acidic and well-drained soils. The Clemson University Cooperative Extension suggests planting hollies in full sun for optimal fruit development. High nitrogen in the soil may result in poor fruit set. Be sure to plant both female and male plants close by for a decorative berry display, unless your holly is a self-pollinating type.