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Form
A dense, rounded shrub. Some cultivars are tree forms, some
compact, others weeping.
Leaves
Alternate, simple leaf is shiny dark green above, pale below,
brittle and almost plastic-like. The tip of the leaf is divided
into 3 broad, tapering spines and the base of the leaf has less
pronounced spiny divisions. The total number of spines varies from
5 – 9 with leaves of older plants tending to have less. The
spines and leaf margin cup downward. Size is 1 1/2" –
4" long and 1" – 3" wide with a rectangular-oblong
shape. The combination of leaf shape and spines looks like a bat.
Fall Color
No color change.
Stem/Buds/Bark
Young stems are smooth, slender and green, becoming light tan
with age. Bark is an attractive gray.
Flowers
Small, dull white to yellow-green flowers are borne in clusters
in the leaf axils. Male and female flowers are on separate plants
(dioecious). Fragrant and attractive to bees’ noticeable but
not showy.
Flowering Time
March through April.
Fruit
Large, round, usually bright red berries, 1/4" – 1/2"
across, are borne in clusters of 5 – 8. Showy, abundant and
persisting until February, forming only on female plants. Male plants
may or may not be necessary for pollination and fruit development.
Pest Problems
Insects – Southern red mite, camellia scale, holly leaf
miner, wax scale, tea scale, grasshoppers.
Disease – None serious.
Abiotic – Over fertilization.
Landscape Uses
Cultivars of Chinese holly are widely used for foundation plantings,
shrub borders, accents and specimens. They are also good hedge and
barrier plants. The species is seldom used but its many cultivars
are popular in the landscape.
Major Landscape Features
Medium to large-sized shrub; specimen, hedge or foundation plant;
dark green leaves; showy red berries; salt and urban tolerant; many
cultivar forms.
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Hardiness Range
7 – 9
Native Habitat
China, Korea
Height
8 – 15 feet
Growth Rate
Medium
Spread
8 – 15 feet
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Culture
Chinese holly is very adaptable to pH and soil types,
growing in sandy soils or poorly drained clay. It is drought
tolerant. For maximum growth and fruit production, plant Chinese
holly in fertile, well-drained soil in partial shade or sun.
Dense shade will cause loose growth and poor fruit set. Frequent
but light fertilization, mulching and supplement water during
drought are beneficial. Too much quick release fertilizer
will cause scorching of leaf margins, stunted growth, leaf
drop or even death of the plant. Chinese holly can tolerate
shearing but cut leaves will have an unattractive tan, dead
margin.
Cultivars
"Burfordii" – Known as Burford holly; grows
to 10 feet as a pruned shrub, otherwise will reach 20 –
25 feet as a large shrub or small tree; fruit set does not
require pollination and is heavy; leaves are shiny dark green,
oval shaped with usually only one spine which is at the tip;
occasionally develops 2 lateral spines; tolerant of salt.
"Burford Nana" (Dwarf Burford) – More compact
and slower growing than "Burfordii", 6 – 10
feet tall; moderate fruit set of smaller, darker red berries;
leaves smaller and puckered. "Carissa" – Dwarf
form, 3 – 4 feet high, 4 – 6 feet wide; leaves are
shiny, waxy dark green, oval with single terminal spine and
may be puckered; may not fruit. "Rotunda" –
Densely branched, mounded, low-growing shrub growing 3 –
4 feet high and 6 – 8 feet across; may not fruit. "Needlepoint"
– A cultivar with narrow, twisted leaves with one spine.
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