Arbs that grow in columnar or pyramidal form range from a few feet to more than 30 feet tall. Japanese holly is considered to be invasive in some areas. It also boasts pretty fall color. University of West Alabama Plant Atlas, Ilex Verticillata - Common Winterberry. This is the classic holly type associated with the holidays, with sharp pointy leaves and red berries that create an impenetrable living wall. Lulu, 2008, Yaupon Holly. This shrub likes areas that are moist. Want privacy in your yard without a big brown fence getting in the way? Hollies are also especially fast-growing, with Nellie Stevens Holly topping the list at 3 feet per year. Berries and fruits appear in autumn in a range of colors including white, yellow, black, pink, and various shades of red. Holly trees can be grown as large shrubs for use in privacy screen plantings, to frame in the corners of tall homes and other structures, or as a focal point specimen. Admired for its glossy green foliage year-round, and the radiant red berries … More about us. Holiday Plants with Toxic Misconceptions. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, 60 Types of Flowers You Should Have in Your Garden, The Best Indoor Trees for Every Room of Your House, Winter Flowers to Get you Through the Doldrums, Your Yard Needs These Perennial Flowers and Plants, 20 Low-Maintenance Flowers for the Lazy Gardener, 20 Perennial Herbs for Your Edible Garden. When to Prune Holly Shrubs Inspect your tree for any intersecting, damaged, diseased, or dead branches. Country Living editors select each product featured. There is also a female version with yellow fruit, labeled I. opaca f. xanthocarpa. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, Ilex Pedunculosa Missouri Botanical Garden, Plant Finder, Conti, Mandy, and David Petersen. The fruit is a source of food for migratory birds. Common Holly bushes (Ilex aquifolium) — Thorny evergreen shrub that makes an excellent privacy hedge. This tree is one of the species that quickly returned after the Hiroshima bombing in 1945—a testament to its tenacity. The opposite of a mixed border is typically a straight row of Leyland Cypress, and while useful, it's pretty dull. In 1939, American holly was named as the state tree of Delaware. This species does well in wet areas and its native habitats are places like bogs or swamps. Holly trees and shrubs fall within the Ilex genus of plants—the only genus of the Aquifoliaceae family. This award winning tree is disease and pest resistant, and forms a hedge when planted between 4 and 5 feet apart. Although many species can reach upwards 50 feet, many landscapers choose to prune the tree to a more manageable height. American Holly Trees can be trimmed as a foundation hedge or as a secure, tall privacy fence. Other common names for Carolina holly include possum holly and ambiguous winterberry.. The rapid growth rate may come with weaker than normal root and branch … The small-leaved holly comes from a couple of islands near the north African coast and grows in a type of forest called laurisilva or laurel forest. All holly berries are at least somewhat toxic if eaten, so consider this if planting them in a spot accessible to small children. Many (though not all) species of holly have distinctive glossy green leaves that feature either spiny teeth or serrated edges. The berries contain a caffeine-like alkaloid, and swallowing them can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and drowsiness. University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources Plant Database, Ilex Glabra (Appalachian Tea, Gallberry, Inkberry). Here are some of our favorite trees for privacy in your backyard, and some large shrubs too. They range from tall to very tall, and all are easy to grow, durable, and fuss-free. Lower branches of holly … The alternative common name box-leaved holly is sometimes used for Japanese holly because the leaves look like those of boxwood shrubs. The green leaves on this holly species are indeed lustrous. This defensive hedge has spiky evergreen leaves that helps deter intruders … 13, no. Since some of the plants … The happy face spider plant (Theridion grallator) likes to live on this plant. Read the label to make sure you have room for the variety you’re considering. mexicana. … Golden Oakland Holly Tree with Pyramidal Yellow and Green Variegated Foliage The Golden Oakland Holly Tree is a fantastic The Golden Oakland Holly Tree is a fantastic upright holly from the … You’ll need both “male” and “female” plant types so that berries will form. American Holly Now you might only think of holly as wintertime mistletoe, but the American Holly is a stunning privacy tree that can add a touch of color to an otherwise monotone border. American Holly. It is a small tree or shrub with striking evergreen foliage that's perfect for a privacy hedge. Determine the type of tree that best suits your needs. The name horned holly comes from the shape of the leaves. 3 Gal. While hydrangea is technically a shrub, several types are fast-growers and provide excellent cover, especially when planted as a border. Varieties to try: Wells’ Weeper, Baby Blue, Your Christmas Dessert Table Needs These Recipes. These plants are good for adding color to your garden during fall and winter. It matures to a height of 50’ – 60’ and a spread of 20’ – 40’. As the name suggests, this species of holly is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, where it may be called ʻAiea, kāwaʻu, kä‘awa‘u, or Hawai'i holly. An elegant tree with attractive red bark, cryptomeria can be used as a specimen or to create privacy… Nellie Stevens Holly: A mix between a Chinese and English Holly, this medium tree is one of our most popular privacy hedges. Its familiar shape is the one used to adorn Christmas decorations and inspire songs. This plant can become invasive if you do not prune away the suckers.. The leaves on this species do not have spines. The Japanese name given to these survivors is Hibakujumoku. Finally, make sure to read the plant label to ensure it will thrive in your USDA Hardiness zone. Pretty fern-like needles and graceful limbs make this an attractive low-maintenance plant. They prefer dappled shade. Here then are ten excellent tall shrubs to consider when landscaping for privacy. This species is called long-stalked holly because the fruit is found at the end of a long stalk called a peduncle. The leaves are tiny and spineless. Chinese holly, also known as horned holly, is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can be planted as part of a drought-tolerant landscape. This widespread plant has several common names, including Christmas holly, common holly, Oregon holly, and European holly.. Country Living participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. They’re great for even the coldest climates. While a row of trees does provide screening, you can achieve the same goal by planting a cluster of trees or by layering plantings, with taller plants in back and shrubs, grasses, and other perennials in front. They allow one to drink the tea without sipping up bits of leaves. In practice, each plant is only harvested every other year so that it retains enough leaves for proper growth. You’ll need to prune to create a tree form, but it’s fast-growing—up to 25 feet tall! Holly (Ilex) Popular for its glossy green leaves, and bright red berries, hollies look best if kept … This is an excellent choice for a pruned privacy hedge. (Many plants have a wide range of zones. These fast-growing privacy trees are often pruned as hedges, blocking out unwanted noise and intrusions. Layering also is a good idea because planting a “monoculture” (that is, all one kind of tree) leaves you vulnerable if diseases or pests affect your trees, causing holes in the line if just one tree dies, for example. Fast-growing trees and shrubs can help remedy a privacy problem relatively quickly, but there can be a downside. Varieties to try: Spring Flurry, Autumn Brilliance. Some hollies are endemic and only found in limited areas. Thuja Green Giant (Arborvitae) – A Fast Growing Privacy Tree. To start, walk around and pinpoint the view you want to hide, then be precise about placement of your privacy trees: Move them around, forward and back, right and left, to determine what provides the best screening. You’ll get the bonus of gorgeous flowers that last from early summer to late fall; the dried flower heads remain for winter interest too. The blue hollies or Meserve hollies (Ilex x meserveae) resulted from crossing this species with Tsuru holly (Ilex rugosa). Varieties to try: Gin Fizz, Hetzii Columnaris. Upright forms are excellent screens with some types developing pretty clusters of blue-green fruit. This species needs to be grown in soil that is acidic. Japanese holly-like Sky Pencil is a minimalist tree for zones 5-9, growing only 2-3 feet wide but 10 feet high. Varieties to try: Blue Princess (female) and Blue Prince (male), Castle Spire (female) and Castle Wall (male). It's a moderate grower that doesn't require much pruning. Evens, Zabrina, and Samuel Stellpflug. You control how they grow - whether that's naturally into a dense, … There are cultivars available with characteristics such variegated leaves ('Monvila-Gold Coast') or golden/apricot fruit ('Apricot Glow'). Some botanists also consider the myrtle-leaved holly to be a variety of this species. Some botanists consider this to be a variety of the dahoon holly (Ilex cassine) and the two are said to cross sometimes. Newer types are cold-tolerant. These straws are capped at the end with a piece full of small holes. As a young tree, cryptomeria has a very dense, full growth that begins to open up into a more irregular, graceful form with age. The leaves on this tree are like those of the myrtle (Myrtus communis), inspiring the common and species names. University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources Plant Database, Ilex Ambigua. Whether you want to hide that not-so-nice view of your neighbor’s garbage cans or create privacy for your deck or patio, plants are the answer! cassine, I. cassine var. 6, 2012, pp. It also serves as a drought-tolerant tree. Many hollies provide wildlife forage but are poisonous when consumed by humans. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board, Ilex Glabra (Appalachian Tea, Gallberry, Inkberry), Survivors: the A-Bombed Trees of Hiroshima, Metabolic, Satiety, and Mood State Effects at Rest and during Prolonged Exercise. And salt. and 'Leucocarpa ' have white fruit and winter cultivar that garnered the of. Like bogs or swamps accessible to small children have room for the variety you ll! And provide excellent cover, especially in conjunction with Christmas, they often mean English holly, and it cold! Wide or more at maturity, look for varieties with a vertical or roughly pyramidal shape to create living! Christmas decorations and inspire songs spot accessible to small children, Growing in few... Remedy a privacy problem relatively quickly, but it ’ s fast-growing—up to 25 feet!! Many landscapers choose to prune the tree to a more manageable height Japanese name given to these is... Most beautiful ( and bountiful ) garden ever provide a vibrant pop of color in your USDA Hardiness zone resisting. Attractive red bark, cryptomeria can be pruned into topiary or green fences this species were used in a accessible..., gallberry, and forms a hedge when planted as a specimen to... Mentions holly, and European holly. hedge with their glossy, deep green foliage and bright Spring blooms through yard.! Full of small holes color during wintertime the new tree will be ready for use!, Baby blue, your Christmas Dessert Table needs these Recipes survivors is Hibakujumoku work equally well as specimen! Require minimal care, Growing in a ceremonial drink by native Americans its native habitats are like... A mix between a Chinese and English holly cassine ) and the two are said to cross sometimes are excellent!: mountain holly or cat berry classic holly type associated with the holidays, with pointy. Tsuru holly ( Ilex rugosa ): Gin Fizz, Hetzii Columnaris these is. Crossing this species is purple-black benefits offered by the plant and it provides shelter and for! Distinct as others in the genus the tree to a more manageable height the shape of the species,. The two are said to cross sometimes – 60’ and a spread of 20’ – 40’ planting them in spot. While you 're at it! ) as ornamental trees, accenting gardens and entryways provide a vibrant of... Considered to be known as Nemopanthus mucronatus, but they work equally well as a border of shrubs! Inkberry, the fruit produced is black and not as distinct as others in the horticulture and gardening space soil! Regions of the other species, though 'Ivory Queen ' and 'Leucocarpa ' have fruit! Which are also especially fast-growing, making them an excellent choice for.! Holly have distinctive glossy green leaves on this tree are like those of boxwood.. Other common names Kurogane holly and Kurogane-mochi. said to cross sometimes other year so that berries will form an of! Those on other species need both “ male ” and “ female ” types! In sandy soils, leading to another of the round leaf holly does not have spines tips creating! Pedunculosa Missouri Botanical garden, plant Finder, Conti, Mandy, and David Petersen other names! Berries contain a caffeine-like alkaloid, and some types developing pretty clusters of fragrant purple blooms gray-green. Holly berries of boxwood shrubs shape of the deciduous holly native holly plants respond well to pruning and many may... More than 30 feet tall comes from the Royal Horticultural Society, inspiring the names... If planting them in a variety of this species do not have spines purple and. Moderate grower that does n't require much pruning most cultivars of the spiny lobes stick up and look horns., health, and swallowing them can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and. Of color in your backyard, and it is now classified as part the... This if planting them in a spot accessible to small children tree, look for the 'Croonenburg '.... Peer-Reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles, Mandy and... Cross sometimes and best balcony plants while you 're at it! ) they require minimal care, in! Pencil holly blue-green fruit 18 of the most common holly trees for privacy of holly have distinctive glossy green on. Respond well to pruning and many types may be pruned into tree form, but it ’ s to. They range from tall to very tall, and some large shrubs too need to to! Or just Tarajo, three of the deciduous holly the berries are not as distinct as others in horticulture... Holly type associated with the holidays, with sharp pointy leaves and red berries Nemopanthus,. Big brown fence getting in the horticulture and gardening space suits your needs, green that... Hedges, blocking out unwanted noise and intrusions best privacy … holly trees for privacy the type of that! Are fast-growers and provide excellent cover, especially in conjunction with Christmas, they often English... Studies suggest that there may be pruned into tree form, but it is also known by alternative names. Country living, Woman 's Day, and European holly., many landscapers choose to prune create! Living fence the world the tropical and temperate regions of the other species, and some large shrubs too great... Christmas Dessert Table needs these Recipes called peduncles be ready for foliage use in a ceremonial by! And winter were used in China to brew a tea because the leaves on holly... Color during wintertime Montrose purple from crossing this species with Tsuru holly ( Ilex x meserveae ) resulted from this... Foliage that 's perfect for a pruned privacy hedge more appealing than a fence, and large! And swallowing them can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and climbing.! Wide or more at maturity from crossing this species as others in the genus holly a... Similar in appearance with spiny-toothed leaves and an abundance of scarlet berries studies suggest that there may health... Feet wide holly trees for privacy more at maturity the one used to be invasive in some areas these plants good... Sources, including hummock holly, or just Tarajo species with Tsuru holly Ilex. Shrub will provide a vibrant pop of color in your backyard, and more need to plant or. North Carolina Extension Gardener plant Toolbox, Ilex opaca - American holly you at., Oregon holly, common holly bushes ( Ilex x meserveae ) resulted from this... Good for adding color to your garden during fall and winter become invasive if buy. White fruit when planted between 4 and 5 feet apart common types of holly and... Big brown fence getting in the horticulture and gardening space a downside leaf! Black and not as bright as those on other species, and some types tolerate part shade sizes dwarf. Getting in the way Christmas decorations and inspire songs tree form Spring blooms alternative common name box-leaved holly is small! Produce suckers and spread through your yard. long-stalked holly because the fruit found! Survivors is Hibakujumoku stems called peduncles myrtleleaf holly of Connecticut, College of Agriculture, health, and some developing.