Steeds Holly
Steeds Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Steeds’) is a striking, dense, pyramidal evergreen shrub that adds elegance and structure to any landscape. Its dark green, glossy leaves remain vibrant throughout the year, making it an ideal choice for year-round interest. With a mature height of 6 to 8 feet and a spread of 3 to 4 feet, Steeds Holly is perfect for creating formal hedges, foundation plantings, or as a focal point in garden beds. This holly’s naturally upright, pyramidal growth habit requires minimal pruning, making it an excellent low-maintenance option for both formal and informal landscapes.
Thriving in USDA zones 6-8, Steeds Holly is highly adaptable to various growing conditions, including full sun to partial shade, and can tolerate different soil types as long as they are well-drained. Small white flowers emerge in spring, adding a subtle yet charming detail to the shrub. These flowers give way to small black berries in the fall, providing additional seasonal interest and attracting birds to your garden. Steeds Holly’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for adding structure, privacy, and vibrant color to outdoor spaces.
Steeds Holly is also deer-resistant, which makes it a reliable choice for gardens in areas prone to deer browsing. Its hardiness and classic beauty make this holly an ideal plant for creating privacy screens, defining garden borders, or using it as a stand-alone specimen. Whether used in a formal hedge or as part of a mixed planting, Steeds Holly offers timeless appeal and adds a lush, green backdrop that enhances the beauty of surrounding plants and flowers year-round.
