Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

16 other cultivars

shrub

National Holly

Ilex x hybrida 'National'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hollies in the genus Ilex are evergreen or deciduous woody plants grown for their dense structure and glossy foliage. They require well-drained, acidic to neutral soils and yield small spring flowers that attract insect pollinators.

'National' is an upright, densely branched cultivar forming a narrow, columnar to pyramidal shape. Its dark green, spiny leaves produce a light green spring flush and persist as a formal structural accent year-round.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides narrow architectural verticality with glossy dark green foliage year-round.

Functions effectively as a dense, low-maintenance evergreen windbreak or privacy screen.

Spring flowers support native bees, while persistent fruit provides winter food for songbirds.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

300"

Width

72"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Garden origin

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Late spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun or partial shade with protection from intense late-afternoon summer sun.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the container and equal in depth, ensuring the root flare rests level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil mixed with leaf compost, firming lightly to remove air pockets without compacting.
Water deeply at planting and maintain steady moisture until root systems establish over the first two seasons.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing into tight geometric shapes, as cutting back into old leafless wood ruins the natural columnar shape and destroys flower buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Mulch with pine needles or bark to retain moisture and keep soil slightly acidic.
Plant in light, freely draining soil to avoid root fungal pathogens.
Prune lightly in late winter to remove damaged wood or maintain size.

Don't

Do not allow standing water to sit around the root zone.
Do not shear foliage heavily into old bare wood.
Do not plant in alkaline soils where leaf chlorosis can develop.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Privacy ScreenTall HedgeSpecimen PlantFoundation PlantingWindbreak

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Heuchera Sarcococca Polystichum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

National Holly questions

What zones can National Holly grow in?

National Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is National Holly deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse National Holly, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does National Holly bloom?

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

Does National Holly need full sun?

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

Is National Holly drought tolerant?

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