The best time to plant hollies is in early spring, after the last hard freeze (if applicable) but before the heat of summer sets in. One male can effectively pollinate about 10 female plants growing within 50 feet (15 meters), sometimes more. American Holly (Ilex opaca)Native along the entire East Coast and west to Missouri and Texas, this slow-growing, pyramidical holly can reach 25-60 feet (8-18 meters) tall at maturity. Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata)Unlike the other species on this list, verticillata is a deciduous, not evergreen, plant that loses its foliage in autumn. English or common holly (Ilex aquifolium)Native to Europe, West Asia and North Africa, English holly is spreading into wild areas and choking out native vegetation from Vancouver to the Pacific Northwest and into California.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 23, 2025 05:46 UTC