Christmas Jewel Holly
Christmas Jewel Holly (Ilex x ‘Christmas Jewel’) is an exceptional small evergreen tree known for its compact form, glossy dark green foliage, and abundant, bright red berries that provide a stunning holiday display. This female holly cultivar produces an abundance of berries without the need for a male pollinator, making it a reliable choice for year-round beauty and festive winter interest. The spiny, deep green leaves stay vibrant throughout the seasons, while the bright red berries appear in fall and persist well into winter, creating a striking contrast. Christmas Jewel Holly is perfect for enhancing entryways, foundation plantings, or adding seasonal cheer to your landscape.
Christmas Jewel Holly grows to a manageable size, typically reaching 8 to 10 feet in height with a width of 4 to 5 feet, making it well-suited for smaller gardens, hedges, or as a focal point in mixed borders. Thriving in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9, this holly prefers full sun to partial shade and adapts well to various soil types as long as it is well-drained. It has a naturally dense growth habit, which makes it an ideal candidate for privacy screens, windbreaks, or as a backdrop for other flowering shrubs. The berries are visually appealing and attract birds, providing a valuable food source during the colder months, thus enhancing the ecological value of your garden.
Christmas Jewel Holly is a small, low-maintenance, deer-resistant tree that requires minimal pruning to keep its naturally tidy shape. Water the tree regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system and mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Once established, this holly can tolerate brief periods of drought, making it an easy-care addition to any landscape. Whether used as a festive focal point, a foundation planting, or part of a privacy hedge, Christmas Jewel Holly will provide year-round greenery, abundant berries, and a touch of holiday magic to your garden.
