Pet Safe
easy Care
American holly
Ilex opaca 'Mae'
American holly (Ilex opaca ‘Mae’) is an evergreen shrub with many unique ornamental features. It has dark green, leathery leaves that are sharply toothed along the edges and bear white-gray fruits during winter. American holly grows up to 25 feet high and stands out with its striking foliage —an excellent choice for topiaries or hedges. It is also very resilient and can live in almost any kind of soil. In addition, deer are largely uninterested in American holly, making it a great addition to gardens in deer-prone areas.
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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Harvest Fruit
Harvest Fruit
Harvest Fruit
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Pruning Time
Flowering
Fruiting
How to Propagate
Air Layering Propagation
Bend stem to soil surface, cover lightly, roots form in 4-6 weeks
Grafting Propagation
Join scion to rootstock, bind securely until healed
Cutting
Take 4-6" cuttings in spring, root in water or moist soil
Seed Propagation
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date
Plant Characteristics
Drought Tolerant
Is This Plant Right for You?
Good For:
- •Beginners
- •Forgetful waterers
- •Homes with pets
- •Low-maintenance gardens
Consider Carefully:
- •Indoor growing
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.