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Chinese Holly

Ilex Cornuta

Design with this plant

Overview

The Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta) is an evergreen shrub with a dense, rounded form. It typically reaches 8–15 feet in height and spreads 10–12 feet. Noted for its glossy, dark green leaves with distinctive spiny margins, it bears small white flowers in spring. Bright red berries add winter interest and attract wildlife. This hardy plant prefers well-drained soil in full sun to part shade and is resistant to deer and drought.

Sun Full, HalfWater Extra in Summer, MediumZones 7–10Climate Temperate

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Extra in Summer, Medium
USDA zones
7–10

Shape & size

Mature height
8–12 Ft.
Mature width
8–15 Ft.

Classification

Family
Aquifoliaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (49)

Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — Bright red berries add winter interest and attract wildlife
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — It typically reaches 8‚Äì15 feet in height and spreads 10‚Äì12 feet
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — The Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta) is an evergreen shrub with a dense, rounded form
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — Noted for its glossy, dark green leaves with distinctive spiny margins, it bears small white flowers in spring
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — dark green foliage and its ability to create an impenetrable hedge
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — is a robust evergreen shrub renowned for its distinctive glossy
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — This hardy plant prefers well-drained soil in full sun to part shade and is resistant to deer and drought
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — this holly variety boasts a unique shape with spiny margins resembling horns
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — With leaves that typically measure about 2 to 4 inches in length
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — aptly reflecting its species name 'cornuta,' meaning horned.<br><br>As a landscape architect assistant
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — I recommend this plant for clients seeking a low-maintenance yet visually striking addition to their garden
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — The Chinese Holly thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 9
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — though it prefers well-drained
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — tolerating a wide range of soil types
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — though they are not its main decorative feature
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — This plant delivers year-round interest - white flowers bloom in the spring
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — attracting birds and other wildlife
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — These berries also add an endearing festive touch during the holiday season.<br><br>Typically
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — Chinese Holly can reach a height of 8 to 15 feet with a spread of 10 to 12 feet
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — bright red berries provide a vibrant contrast to its foliage
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — or for hedges and privacy screens
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — When designing a landscape, it's important to allow enough space for this plant to mature
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — plant your Chinese Holly in a location that receives full sun to partial shade
Chinese Holly (Ilex Cornuta) — regular watering during its initial growth period is advisable to ensure a strong root system

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