Pet Safe
moderate Care
American holly
Ilex opaca
American Holly (Ilex opaca) is a large evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, dark green leaves, red berries and white flowers. It is drought tolerant and does well in full or partial sun located in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9. This dense upright plant may reach a height of 20–40 feet, providing shelter for wildlife. Its glossy, serrated leaves and colorful berries offer year round interest even in the winter months, making it a great choice for gardens, hedges or windbreaks. Its hardiness and low maintenance makes it a popular choice for creating screens, windbreaks, or hedges.
Sunlight
Partial Shade
Water Needs
medium
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
Hardiness Map
Green areas show climates worldwide where this plant can grow.
Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
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Water Every
"7-10" days
Sun Needs
partial-shade
Growth
Low
Care Level
Low
Watering Schedule
Frequency
Day 1"7-10" daysDay NaN
💧 Water every "7-10" days
Seasonal Adjustments
Adjust watering frequency based on temperature, humidity, and season. Water more frequently in summer and less in winter.
Pro Tip: Check soil moisture before watering. Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil—if it's dry, it's time to water!
Season
Fall
Sep Oct Nov
Winter
Dec Jan Feb
Spring
Mar Apr May
Summer
Jun Jul Aug
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
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Pruning Time
Flowering
How to Propagate
Layering Propagation
Bend stem to soil surface, cover lightly, roots form in 4-6 weeks
Cutting
Take 4-6" cuttings in spring, root in water or moist soil
Grafting Propagation
Join scion to rootstock, bind securely until healed
Air Layering Propagation
Bend stem to soil surface, cover lightly, roots form in 4-6 weeks
Division
Divide root ball in spring, replant sections immediately
Seed Propagation
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date
Is This Plant Right for You?
Good For:
- •Homes with pets
- •Low-maintenance gardens
Consider Carefully:
- •Indoor growing
- •Infrequent watering
Bloom Seasons
spring
Care Tips
Light Requirements
Enjoys dappled or limited direct sun—about 2–4 hours of morning or late afternoon light and protection during peak midday sun.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when top inch of soil is dry.
Best Planting Time
Plant in early spring or fall for best results. Blooms in spring.