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

Dr. Kassab Holly

Ilex x hybrida 'Dr. Kassab'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hollies are woody evergreen or deciduous shrubs and trees valued for their leathery foliage and persistent ornamental berries. They produce small, insect-pollinated flowers in spring, with female plants bearing fleshy drupes where compatible male pollinators are present.

'Dr. Kassab' is a dense, broadly pyramidal evergreen hybrid featuring dark, glossy green leaves edged with prominent spines. Spring flushes of light green foliage give way to subtle white blossoms followed by bright red winter berries on female plants.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round architectural structure, dark glossy foliage, and bright red winter berries.

Thick, spiny growth creates an effective security boundary and physical windbreak.

Spring flowers attract native bees, while dense spiny foliage offers bird shelter and persistent berries feed 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

240"

Width

180"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America (Garden origin)

Toxicity

Low to moderate toxicity if ingested; spiny foliage causes mechanical skin irritation

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to partial shade with acidic to neutral, well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant so the root crown sits slightly above ground level.
Backfill with native soil mixed with compost, firming gently around the base.
Water thoroughly at planting and apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the base without touching the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in sharply draining soil on elevated ground to prevent Phytophthora root rot, and avoid pruning hard into old bare wood where latent interior buds fail to break.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in elevated or sloped sites to ensure sharp drainage.
Mulch root zones to maintain consistent soil moisture and temperature.
Lightly prune in late winter to maintain formal screen shapes.

Don't

Do not plant in low depressions where water accumulates after rain.
Do not shear deeply into old bare wood devoid of leaves.
Do not apply heavy lime as plants prefer neutral to acidic soils.

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

HedgePrivacy ScreenSpecimen PlantingFoundation Planting

Companion Plants

Heuchera Acer palmatum Rhododendron Buxus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dr. Kassab Holly questions

What zones can Dr. Kassab Holly grow in?

Dr. Kassab 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 Dr. Kassab Holly deer resistant?

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

When does Dr. Kassab Holly bloom?

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

Does Dr. Kassab Holly need full sun?

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

Is Dr. Kassab Holly drought tolerant?

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