- Type:
- Broadleaf evergreen
- USDA hardiness zones:
- 7-9
Chinese holly is native to China and Korea. It has naturalized from garden plantings in North Carolina and Alabama. It is a broadleaf evergreen that typically grows as a shrub to 8-10 tall, but may be trained as a small tree to as much as 25 tall. Unusually shaped rectangular leaves (to 4î long) have three large spines at the apex. Dull white flowers appear in May. Flowers are fragrant but generally inconspicuous. Pollinated flowers give way to berry-like red drupes (1/3î long) which ripen in fall and persist into winter. Birds are attracted to the fruit.
- Full sun to part shade
- Medium
- Medium
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 7-9. If attempted in the St. Louis area, it should be sited in a protected location (e.g., south side of a building). Where winter hardy, it should be grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in locations protected from cold winter winds. Part afternoon shade is best in hot summer climates. Avoid poorly drained soils. Good tolerance for heat and periods of drought. Prune in winter if needed. Plants of this species are dioecious (separate male and female plants). Female plants need a male pollinator in the area in order to bear fruit.
Add your comment here