Also known as Holly · 1.5k saves
Ilex
Ilex, the genus most gardeners know as holly. We track 89 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Ilex varieties
See all 89 Ilex varieties →Search this genus →
8 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
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Requires minimal pruning. Shape in late winter or after spring flush if needed.
- FertilizeMarch and April83% of varieties
Apply a slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants in early spring.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October75% of varieties
Plant in fall or spring in acidic, well-drained soil.
- MulchApril and October30% of varieties
Maintain a 2-inch layer of acidic mulch like pine bark.
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment.
- Mulch to protect the shallow roots.
- Plant in acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5) for best results.
- Provide consistent water, especially in the first year.
- Plant in acidic soil (pH 4.5-6.5) for best results.
Avoid
- Do not plant in alkaline or poorly drained soils.
- Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't plant in poorly drained or alkaline soils.
What goes wrong with Ilex
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Holly Leaf Miner | Winding, yellowish trails or blotches within the leaves. | Prune and destroy infested leaves. Systemic insecticides applied in spring can control larvae inside the leaves. |
| Scale Insects | Small, hard bumps on stems and leaves, often accompanied by sticky honeydew and sooty mold. | Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season to smother overwintering pests. Use a systemic insecticide for severe infestations. |
| 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 | Small bumps on stems, sometimes with sticky honeydew and sooty mold. | Generally not a major problem. Apply horticultural oil in early spring if necessary. |
| 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, raised, black spots on leaves, resembling tar. | Largely cosmetic. Rake up and destroy fallen leaves in autumn. Fungicides are not usually necessary. |
| Leaf Spot | Dark spots on leaves, usually cosmetic. | Rake up and destroy fallen leaves. Improve air circulation. Fungicides are rarely needed. |
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 89 distinct Ilex varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.5k 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.