Species

tree

Wirt L. Winn Koehne Holly

The Story

Plant Bio

Koehne hollies (Ilex x koehneana) are hybrids known for their large, spiny, dark green leaves and vigorous, pyramidal growth habit, resembling a classic English holly.

'Wirt L. Winn' is a superior female clone selected for its dense, symmetrical pyramidal form and its exceptionally heavy production of large, bright red berries that persist through winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers a classic 'Christmas holly' appearance with its large, spiny, dark green leaves and abundant bright red berries. Its strong pyramidal form makes it a striking specimen tree, especially against a backdrop of snow.

Its dense growth habit and large size make it an excellent choice for a tall, impenetrable privacy screen or a living windbreak.

The dense, evergreen branches provide excellent shelter and nesting sites for birds. The berries are a valuable winter food source for species like robins, cedar waxwings, and mockingbirds.

SpeciesIlex koehneanaKoehne Holly

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

144 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived tree

Native To

Hybrid Origin

Toxicity

Berries are toxic to humans and pets if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with acidic, moist, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with soil, watering gently to remove air pockets.
Water regularly during the first year to establish deep roots.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Plant a suitable male pollinator, such as Ilex 'Blue Prince' or another male Koehne holly, nearby to ensure heavy berry production.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide a male pollinator for berry set.
Water during prolonged dry periods, especially in summer.
Prune in late winter to maintain its pyramidal shape.
Plant in acidic soil for best performance.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline or poorly drained soils.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Do not shear into a tight hedge, which can ruin its natural form.
Avoid planting in locations with harsh, drying winter winds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stately evergreen specimen treeTall, dense privacy screen or hedgeClassic winter interest accent for landscapes

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Pieris japonica Mahonia bealei Helleborus Aucuba japonica

Good to Know

Common Questions

Wirt L. Winn Koehne Holly questions

What zones can Wirt L. Winn Koehne Holly grow in?

Wirt L. Winn Koehne Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Wirt L. Winn Koehne Holly deer resistant?

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

When does Wirt L. Winn Koehne Holly bloom?

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

Does Wirt L. Winn Koehne Holly need full sun?

Wirt L. Winn Koehne Holly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.