The holly is an evergreen shrub which typically features stiff, spiny leaves, and grows practically anywhere in America. Hollies come in a variety of sizes ranging from a 6-inch dwarf to a 70-foot tall specimen! They flaunt lovely, colorful berries that prove to be quite eye-catching both to man and bird! Fortunately, these berries stay adorned for much of the winter, as the berries' bitter taste keeps the birds at bay for quite some time. It is important to note that the male and female plants are separate. Hence, for the purpose of pollination you must ensure that the female plant (which solely produces berries) is located near a suitable male counterpart (which produces pollen).

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
There are many cultivars including the Winter Red. This hardy shrub grows up to 10 feet tall. Its berries are painted a bright red and are retained right up to late winter. The Red Sprite, in contrast, is a smaller version that grows to about 3 to 5 feet in height and width, and the Shaver attains a height of 5 feet. For the purpose of pollination, the Southern Gentleman should accompany the Winter Red and the Shaver; whereas Jim Dandy or Apollo should escort the Red Sprite. The aforementioned plants prefer moist, acid soils, and are suited to USDA zones 3 to 9.

Sparkleberry, a hybrid, is a larger version - which grows to 12 to 15 feet. The Sparkleberry should be grown alongside the Apollo (the male plant) in USDA zones 5b to 9. Like the Winter Red, the Afterglow, too, grows to 10 feet and finds a companion in Jim Dandy; however, unlike the Winter Red, the Afterglow boasts berries that are dyed in shades of orange and red. Berry Nice, on the other hand, sports intensely red berries, and like the Winter Red should be accompanied by the Southern Gentleman.

Winter King Green Hawthorn (Crataegus Viridis)
The Hawthorn is a large, wide spreading plant that grows up to 20 to 25 feet tall in USDA zones 4 to 7. Its berries - orange and red in color - are retained right up to February!

Finetooth Holly
In contrast to the Winter Red, the finetooth holly's berries are more diminutive, and tend to lose their color with the passing of time. The Leucocarpa overcomes this feature of the finetooth holly, and flaunts large white berries.

Hollies are reported to make excellent hedges -The Japanese holly (ilex crenata) best exhibits this as it sports small, green leaves that may be easily pruned into the desired shape.

Longstalk Holly (Ilex pedunculosa)

The longstalk bears sweeter berries, and friendlier leaves that are devoid of thorns. This holly spans a height of 20 to 30 feet, and looks absolutely marvelous when freckled with its red berries that rest on short stalks. In contrast, to the other hollies, the berries of the longstalk present themselves early in the year. The longstalk because of its unruly growth pattern should be awarded the support of a fence or a wall.

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua)

The possumhaw is an incredibly large holly - 20 feet in height with a trunk circumference of 10 feet! This holly is an attractive haven for the birds, which feed on its sumptuous berries. The best form of the possumhaw is found in the 'Warren Red', which is a more manageable holly.

If you like artciles about trees & shrubs....These pages might also interest you:

Guide to Conifers & Evergreens, How to Prune Shrubs, Gardening With Viburnum, Gingko Trees, Growing Magnolias, Japanese Barbury, Katsura Trees,Shrubs as Garden Borders,The Weeping Atlas Tree, Tough Trees, Great Birch Trees, Growing Citrus Trees, How to Prune Shrubs,How to Start Seedlings, Lustrous Abelia, Popular Shrubs, Shrub Winter Care Guide, Shrubs With Berries, Summer Hydrangeas