Species

Ilex cornutaChinese Holly

3 other cultivars

shrub

Fine Line Holly

Ilex cornuta 'Fine Line'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex cornuta, or Chinese Holly, is a dense, evergreen shrub or small tree known for its glossy, rectangular leaves, often with prominent spines, and its tolerance for heat and drought.

'Fine Line' is a unique female cultivar with narrow, willow-like leaves, each tipped with a single spine, giving it a fine texture. It produces red berries without a male pollinator.

Uses & Benefits:

The primary appeal of 'Fine Line' is its unique, fine-textured foliage, which provides a soft, almost ferny appearance, unusual for a holly. Its upright habit and red berries add to its year-round beauty.

Its narrow, upright form makes it ideal for tight spaces, such as foundation plantings, narrow hedges, or as a vertical accent in container gardens. It is very heat and drought tolerant.

The berries, produced without a pollinator, offer a food source for birds in late fall and winter. The dense foliage provides shelter for small birds.

SpeciesIlex cornutaChinese Holly

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

China, Korea

Toxicity

Berries are toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with at least 4-6 hours of sun.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend heavy clay if necessary.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, with the root flare at soil level.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.
Mulch around the base to conserve water and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

This holly is parthenocarpic, meaning it sets fruit without a male pollinator, ensuring a berry display.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply but infrequently once established to encourage drought tolerance.
Provide good air circulation to prevent disease.
Use as a unique accent plant due to its fine texture.
Protect from harsh winter winds in the northern parts of its range.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged or consistently wet soil.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which can lead to sparse growth.
Don't over-fertilize, as this can harm the plant.
Refrain from heavy shearing, which will spoil its natural form.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Fine-textured foundation plantingUnique evergreen hedgeElegant container specimen

Companion Plants

Loropetalum chinense Nandina domestica 'Firepower'Abelia x grandiflora Liriope muscari Gardenia jasminoides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Fine Line Holly questions

What zones can Fine Line Holly grow in?

Fine Line Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Fine Line Holly deer resistant?

Yes — Fine Line Holly is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Fine Line Holly bloom?

Fine Line Holly typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Fine Line Holly need full sun?

Fine Line Holly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Fine Line Holly drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Fine Line Holly handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.