Holly Bushes for Sale | Ilex Bushes Online

What Are Holly Trees?

Holly trees, botanically known as Ilex, are a diverse group of evergreen shrubs and small trees prized for their glossy foliage, year-round structure, and—depending on the variety—clusters of bright red berries. These plants are ideal for hedging, foundation plantings, privacy screens, or formal accents in the landscape. At Plants by Mail, our curated selection includes many holly types suited to Southern gardens and beyond.

What Type of Hollies do You Carry?

Oakleaf or Red Hollies—like Oakland Holly and Golden Oakland—offer bold, pyramidal forms and vibrant red new growth that matures to deep green. Ilex Japanese holly varieties such as Steeds, Sky Pencil, and Compacta are more refined, with soft, boxwood-like foliage perfect for smaller hedges or containers. We also carry Chinese hollies like Needlepoint and Burfordii, known for their resilience and spiny leaves, and Yaupon Hollies, including the graceful Dwarf Yaupon, which thrives in coastal conditions and is beloved for its drought and salt tolerance.

How to Use and Care for Hollies in the Landscape

Hollies are incredibly versatile and can be used in nearly every part of the landscape—from tall privacy hedges to sculpted foundation plants and elegant container accents.

Using Different Types of Hollies

Large, pyramidal varieties like Oakland and Golden Oakland Hollies are ideal for screening or as formal backdrops in landscape beds. Compact growers such as Bordeaux Dwarf Yaupon, Steeds, and Compacta Japanese Holly work beautifully as low hedges, borders, or boxwood alternatives with a more refined, disease-resistant edge. Want a vertical accent? Try Sky Pencil Holly, a favorite for tight spaces and entryways.

How to Care for Holly Shrubs

Caring for Ilex shrubs and trees is refreshingly simple. Most holly varieties thrive in full sun to part shade and prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Once established, they’re generally drought-tolerant and strongly resistant to pests and diseases. Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots settle in, then ease up as plants mature. Pruning is optional and typically done in late winter or early spring to maintain shape or encourage denser growth—especially with formal hedges or shaped Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) varieties.

What is the difference between holly trees and holly shrubs?
The main difference comes down to size and use. Holly trees—such as Oakleaf™ Holly or Liberty™ Holly—are upright, pyramidal, and often used as privacy screens or specimen plantings. Holly shrubs, including Schilling’s Dwarf Yaupon, Steeds Japanese Holly, and Compacta, are more compact and typically used for hedges, borders, and foundational plantings. All are part of the Ilex genus, but vary in growth habit, leaf shape, and mature size.
Are holly bushes poisonous to dogs?
Many holly bushes—including popular species in the Ilex genus—are considered toxic to dogs if ingested. The berries and leaves contain compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and general stomach upset in pets. While most dogs won’t consume enough to cause serious harm, it’s best to plant hollies where curious pups don’t typically roam or chew. Non-berrying varieties like Schilling’s Dwarf Yaupon or Sky Pencil Holly can be good options for pet-friendly landscapes.
Is Ilex Japanese holly a good alternative to boxwood?
Absolutely. Ilex Japanese holly, such as Steeds and Compacta, is a popular choice for gardeners seeking the neat, dense look of boxwood but with better disease resistance and more tolerance to heat and humidity. These holly shrubs have soft leaves and a naturally tidy form, which makes them ideal for low hedges, parterre gardens, and modern landscapes. They also allow you to avoid boxwood blight, a common problem with boxwood hedges.
Where is the best place to plant holly bushes?
Holly bushes thrive in full sun to part shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The best location receives at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily and offers room for the plant’s mature size. For privacy hedges, plant varieties like Oakland or Golden Oakland holly in a row along property lines. For ornamental structure, compact types like Steeds, Compacta, or Robin Holly work beautifully in foundation beds, entryways, or formal borders. Adding mulch around the base helps retain moisture and protect the roots year-round.