Also known as Holly · 1.9k saves
Ilex
Ilex, the genus most gardeners know as holly. We track 106 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Ilex varieties
See all 106 Ilex varieties →Search this genus →
9 species of Ilex
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Ilex in Sow
Save the Ilex you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Ilex
Whats common across all Ilex varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Ilex year
- PruneMarch and April100% of varieties
Requires minimal pruning. Shape in late winter or after spring flush if needed.
- FertilizeApril and May80% of varieties
Apply a slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants in early spring.
- PlantApril, May, October and November78% of varieties
Plant container stock in early spring or fall for best establishment.
- MulchMay35% of varieties
Maintain a 2-inch layer of acidic mulch like pine bark.
Do
- Provide good air circulation to minimize disease risk.
- Plant in acidic soil for best performance.
- Maintain consistent moisture, especially during establishment.
- Plant in acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5) for best results.
- Provide consistent water, especially in the first year.
Avoid
- Do not plant in alkaline or poorly drained soils.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
What goes wrong with Ilex
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Holly Leaf Miner | Winding, yellowish trails or blotches inside the leaves. | Prune and destroy infested leaves in winter. Encourage beneficial wasps. A systemic insecticide can be used in spring. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on foliage, stippled or bronzed leaves, especially in hot, dry sites. | Spray with a strong jet of water. Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. |
| Scale Insects | Sticky residue and yellowing leaves | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Scale | Small bumps on stems, sometimes with sticky honeydew and sooty mold. | Generally not a major problem. Apply horticultural oil in early spring if necessary. |
| Leaf Spot | Dark spots on leaves | Remove affected leaves and apply fungicide |
| Root Rot | Yellowing leaves, wilting, and plant death, caused by overly wet, poorly drained soil. | Prevention is key. Plant in well-drained soil or raised beds. No effective cure. |
| Tar Spot | Thick, black, raised spots on leaves, primarily cosmetic. | Rake up and destroy fallen leaves in autumn. Prune for better air circulation. Fungicides are generally not necessary. |
Making more Ilex
Semi-hardwood Cuttings
- Take 4-inch cuttings in summer from the current year's growth.
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Stick in a sterile, moist medium.
- Keep humid; roots will form in about 8 weeks.
Hardwood Cuttings
- Take cuttings in the dormant season, from late fall to winter.
- Cut 6-8 inch sections of the previous year's growth.
- Dip in rooting hormone and stick in a moist medium.
- Keep in a cold frame over winter; rooting is slow.
Ilex questions
How many types of Ilex are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 106 distinct Ilex varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.9k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Ilex grow in?
Across its varieties, Ilex covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Ilex bloom?
Most Ilex varieties bloom in late spring, spring, early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Ilex should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.