shrub

Conaf Oakland Holly

Ilex 'Conaf'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex 'Conaf', commercially known as Oakland Holly, is a hybrid evergreen holly noted for its dense, pyramidal growth habit and attractive foliage. It is a vigorous and adaptable landscape plant.

Its most distinctive feature is its oak-leaf shaped, glossy green leaves, which are less prickly than many other hollies. New growth emerges with a bronze-purple tint. It is self-pollinating, reliably producing red berries without a male plant.

Uses & Benefits:

Oakland Holly is a premier landscape shrub, valued for its unique oak-leaf foliage, dense pyramidal form, and attractive red berries. The bronze-flushed new growth adds another layer of visual interest. It provides a strong, formal, evergreen presence in the garden year-round.

Its naturally dense and upright habit makes it ideal for creating privacy screens and hedges that require minimal pruning. It is also heat tolerant and relatively drought resistant once established, making it a durable choice for many landscapes. The less-spiny leaves make it easier to handle than other hollies.

The berries provide a food source for birds in the winter. The dense evergreen foliage offers excellent protection and nesting sites for birds and other small wildlife, providing crucial shelter from predators and harsh weather.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

180 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Hybrid Origin

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with at least 4-6 hours of sun and well-drained, acidic soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Gently loosen the roots before placing the plant in the hole.
Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to remove air pockets.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, like pine bark or straw.

Pro Tip

Oakland Holly maintains its dense, pyramidal form with very little pruning, making it an excellent low-maintenance choice for formal applications.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season.
Maintain an acidic soil pH for best health and color.
Provide good air circulation to minimize disease risk.
Prune lightly in winter to encourage dense growth if desired.

Don't

Don't plant in alkaline (high pH) soils, which causes yellowing leaves.
Avoid planting in poorly drained, constantly wet areas.
Don't let the root ball dry out completely, especially in containers.
Avoid heavy shearing that removes all new growth.

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

Handsome formal hedge or screenStately foundation plantingLow-maintenance specimen shrub

Companion Plants

Loropetalum chinense Nandina domesticaAzalea Hosta Acorus gramineus 'Ogon'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Conaf Oakland Holly questions

What zones can Conaf Oakland Holly grow in?

Conaf Oakland 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 Conaf Oakland Holly deer resistant?

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

When does Conaf Oakland Holly bloom?

Conaf Oakland 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 Conaf Oakland Holly need full sun?

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

Is Conaf Oakland Holly drought tolerant?

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