Also known as Holly · 1.2k gardener saves
Ilex: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Ilex, the genus most gardeners know as holly. We track 82 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Ilex varieties
Of 82 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedGem Box Inkberry Holly
Ilex glabra 'Gem Box'
#2 most savedSky Pencil Holly
Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'
#3 most savedDwarf Pagoda Holly
Ilex crenata 'Dwarf Pagoda'
Mr Poppins Holly
Ilex x meserveae 'Mr Poppins'
Blue Holly Berry Poppins
Ilex x meserveae 'Berry Poppins'
Blue Prince Holly Blue Princess Holly
Ilex x meservae 'Blue Prince Princess'
Squeeze Box Inkberry Holly
Ilex glabra 'Squeeze Box'
Blue Princess Holly
Ilex meserveae 'Blue Princess'
Winterberry
Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red'
Densa Inkberry Holly
Ilex glabra 'Densa'
Shamrock Inkberry
Ilex glabra 'Shamrock'
Gem Box Inkberry Holly
Ilex glabra 'Ilexfarrowtracey'
Browse all 82 Ilex varieties →
How to grow Ilex
What the Ilex varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Ilex year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Requires minimal pruning. Shape in late winter or after spring flush if needed.
- FertilizeMarch and April85% of varieties
Apply a slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants in early spring.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October78% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall to establish roots before extreme temperatures.
- MulchApril33% of varieties
Maintain a 2-inch layer of acidic mulch like pine bark.
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment.
- Plant in acidic soil for best performance.
- Mulch to protect the shallow roots.
- Mulch to protect the shallow root system.
- Plant in acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5) 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. | Remove and destroy infested leaves. Encourage parasitic wasps. Apply a systemic insecticide like imidacloprid in spring to target new larvae. |
| Scale Insects | Small, immobile bumps on stems and leaves, often with sticky honeydew. | Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season. Scrub off small 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 insects | Sticky honeydew and sooty mold | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Leaf Spot | Dark spots on leaves, usually cosmetic. | Rake up and destroy fallen leaves. Improve air circulation. Fungicides are rarely needed. |
| 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. |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery growth on leaves in humid conditions. | Ensure good air circulation. This is typically not a serious problem for winterberry. |
Making more Ilex
Semi-hardwood Cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings in late summer or early fall.
- Remove lower leaves, wound the base, and dip in rooting hormone.
- Stick in a well-drained medium.
- Keep humid and provide bottom heat; roots form in 2-3 months.
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 82 distinct Ilex varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.2k real gardener saves — 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.
Keep exploring
Ilex shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Ilex in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
