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

Golden Oakland Holly

Ilex x hybrida 'Golden Oakland'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hybrid hollies in the genus Ilex are broadleaf evergreen shrubs and trees valued for their dense branching, spiny leaves, and persistent winter berries. They require acidic, well-drained soil with uniform moisture and suffer root decline in saturated or alkaline growing media.

'Golden Oakland' is a upright broadleaf evergreen cultivar distinguished by oak-shaped foliage featuring bright gold highlights and yellow-green margins. New growth emerges solid buttery yellow before transitioning to variegated green, setting orange-red berries in mid-fall that persist through winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Striking yellow-gold variegated leaves provide continuous architectural color alongside persistent bright red winter berries.

Naturally tight, pyramidal habit requires minimal pruning to maintain shape as a formal focal point or hedge.

Dense branching structure offers shelter for songbirds, while winter berries provide a vital cold-weather food source.

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

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun or partial shade with protection from intense afternoon heat in southern zones.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth, ensuring the root flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil line.
Backfill with native soil amended with acid compost or peat moss if necessary to ensure low pH and sharp drainage.
Apply a 3-inch layer of pine bark mulch around the base without pressing against the trunk, and water deeply to settle soil.

Pro Tip

Maintain soil pH below 6.5 to prevent iron chlorosis, and avoid cutting back into old leafless wood as inner branches lack dormant buds to regenerate growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in light, acidic, well-draining soil mix.
Provide afternoon shade in hot southern summers to protect variegated foliage.
Apply acidifying fertilizer annually in early spring.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, slow-draining clay where water collects.
Do not shear aggressively into old bare inner wood.
Do not apply lime or raise soil pH above neutral.

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

Privacy ScreenFoundation PlantingSpecimen PlantFormal Hedge

Companion Plants

Acer palmatum Rhododendron Heuchera Camellia japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Golden Oakland Holly questions

What zones can Golden Oakland Holly grow in?

Golden 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 Golden Oakland Holly deer resistant?

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

When does Golden Oakland Holly bloom?

Golden Oakland 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 Golden Oakland Holly need full sun?

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

Is Golden Oakland Holly drought tolerant?

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