Species

Ilex cornutaChinese Holly

5 other cultivars

shrub

Carissa Holly

Ilex cornuta 'Carissa'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex cornuta, native to eastern Asia, is a dense evergreen shrub characterized by glossy, leathery leaves and small, inconspicuous white flowers produced in spring leaf axils. The species thrives in well-drained soils and forms a naturally compact, architectural structure requiring little pruning.

'Carissa' is a dwarf cultivar growing three to four feet tall and wide, distinguished by dark green foliage with a single sharp terminal spine rather than multi-spined margins. It maintains a naturally tidy, rounded habit and rarely produces fruit in cultivation.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structural green mass, glossy leaves, and neat formal lines without frequent pruning.

Functions as a low-maintenance foundation shrub or non-invasive low barrier edge.

Offers evergreen shelter and nesting habitat for small birds and beneficial garden insects.

SpeciesIlex cornutaChinese Holly

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

China, Korea

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Late spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained, organic-rich soil.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth.
Backfill with native soil mixed with organic matter, setting the plant at the same soil level as in the nursery pot.
Water thoroughly at planting and maintain consistent soil moisture until roots establish.

Pro Tip

Avoid hard pruning back into old, leafless wood, as stems lack dormant buds needed to regenerate foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in acidic to neutral, well-draining soil.
Apply an acidic slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Mulch root zones to preserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils.
Do not prune hard into leafless older wood.
Do not overwater once the root system is established.

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

Foundation plantingLow formal or informal hedgeMass plantingBorder edging

Companion Plants

Buxus microphylla Loropetalum chinense Rhododendron Abelia x grandiflora

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Carissa Holly questions

What zones can Carissa Holly grow in?

Carissa Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Carissa Holly deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Carissa Holly, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Carissa Holly bloom?

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

Does Carissa Holly need full sun?

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

Is Carissa Holly drought tolerant?

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