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Emily Bruner Holly

Ilex 'Emily Bruner'

The Story

Plant Bio

A large, dense, broadleaf evergreen holly known for its vigorous, pyramidal growth habit. It has large, glossy, dark green leaves with spiny margins.

'Emily Bruner' is a female cultivar prized for its exceptionally large, abundant, and long-lasting clusters of bright red berries, which persist through winter. It requires a male pollinator like 'James G. Esson'.

Uses & Benefits:

Its classic pyramidal shape, glossy evergreen leaves, and profuse, large red berries make it a spectacular specimen plant, especially against a snowy winter backdrop.

When planted in a row, its dense growth habit creates an excellent tall privacy screen or windbreak that remains effective year-round.

The abundant berries provide a vital food source for birds like robins, cedar waxwings, and bluebirds during the lean winter months.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Hybrid Origin

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 6 hours of sun and good drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the container but just as deep.
Gently tease out any circling roots before placing in the hole.
Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil and water deeply to remove air pockets.
Mulch around the base, avoiding contact with the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant a male pollinator, such as Ilex 'James G. Esson', within 50 feet for reliable berry production.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly until the plant is well-established.
Prune to shape in early spring before new growth begins.
Provide a suitable male pollinator to ensure a heavy berry set.
Maintain a 2-3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged or poorly drained soil.
Avoid heavy pruning that removes all of the flower buds.
Do not allow the soil to completely dry out, especially in the first year.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stately evergreen specimen treeTall privacy screen or hedgeWinter interest focal point with bright berries

Companion Plants

Camellia japonica Rhododendron spp.Helleborus orientalis Mahonia bealei Ilex 'James G. Esson'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Emily Bruner Holly questions

What zones can Emily Bruner Holly grow in?

Emily Bruner 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 Emily Bruner Holly deer resistant?

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

When does Emily Bruner Holly bloom?

Emily Bruner 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 Emily Bruner Holly need full sun?

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

Is Emily Bruner Holly drought tolerant?

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