Hardy Hollies

If you have a partly shady area in a sheltered location that could use some medium-sized, interesting evergreens, why not break away from commonly used Yews. Try using Hollies instead. With glossy green leaves providing  foliage and textural interest, plus colorful berries for a festive winter show, Holly makes for a great choice.

In the Holly family there are many species, both evergreen and deciduous.
Being monoecious (plants being either male or female), both sexes need to be
planted together to bear fruit. Usually one male holly will pollinate 4 to 6 female hollies. 

Evergreen hollies do best in partial shade and in a sheltered site away from
drying winds. Hollies prefer moist, well-drained, acid soil rich in organic matter.
A 3” layer of shredded hardwood bark will help maintain soil temperature and
moisture. Make sure your Hollies receive at least an inch of water per week until frost as they will not tolerate drought.

Blue Princess w/ berries

Blue Holly (Ilex x meserve) is the best evergreen holly we have found for this area, with glossy, dark green foliage tinted with a bluish overcast. Bark on young twigs is a colorful purplish brown. Blue Hollies are great for along the foundation, around a patio or in a shrub border. ‘Blue Prince’ and ‘Blue Princess’ mature at 4’.