shrub

Homefire Holly

Ilex 'Homefire'

The Story

Plant Bio

This is a female evergreen holly, part of the Red Holly series developed by Robert Head. These are known for their dense habit, glossy leaves, and heavy berry production.

'Homefire' is a female cultivar known for its tight, pyramidal form and abundant, long-lasting bright red berries. New growth is often tinged with bronze-red.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round interest with its glossy evergreen leaves and a profuse display of bright red berries that persist through winter, offering a classic holiday look.

Its dense, naturally pyramidal form makes it an excellent choice for creating formal privacy screens, hedges, or as a strong vertical anchor in foundation plantings.

The berries are a valuable food source for birds like cedar waxwings, mockingbirds, and robins during the lean winter months, while the dense foliage provides shelter.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

162 inches

Width

108 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun or part shade with good drainage.
Amend soil with organic matter to improve acidity and structure.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with soil, water deeply to remove air pockets.
Mulch around the base, avoiding contact with the trunk.

Pro Tip

Ensure a male Red Holly series pollinator, like 'Oakland', is planted nearby for maximum berry production.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first year to establish roots.
Use an acid-based fertilizer to maintain soil pH.
Provide a suitable male pollinator for berry production.
Prune in late winter to maintain its pyramidal shape.

Don't

Do not let the soil dry out completely, especially when young.
Avoid planting in alkaline soil, which can cause leaf yellowing.
Do not prune heavily after new growth starts in spring.
Never pile mulch up against the trunk.

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 plantFormal privacy hedge or screenFestive winter interest with bright red berries

Companion Plants

RhododendronAzalea Camellia Pieris japonica Helleborus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Homefire Holly questions

What zones can Homefire Holly grow in?

Homefire 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 Homefire Holly deer resistant?

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

When does Homefire Holly bloom?

Homefire 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 Homefire Holly need full sun?

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