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Hollies for south central PA/northern Maryland

sujiwan_gw 6b MD/PA

15 years ago

When I lived in Texas, some of the really nice "posh area" plantings involved groupings of shrub hollies arranged in layers of low to moderate height hedges punctuated by shorter spring flowering trees (like peach). Seeing as that was zone 8 west of the Mississippi R. and I'm now in the MidAtlantic, I think most of those hollies are not hardy to my zone 6 MD/PA area.

Other than the taller tree hollies, which of the *shorter* (to 6 ft) evergreen hollies are a good choice for this area? I see people growing mostly varieties that grow too tall for what I want to do.

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Comments (4)

User
15 years ago
I really like the Blue hollies (Blue Princess/Prince among others), also have had good luck with China Girl/Boy. Though both of these eventually should reach ten feet you can maintain by pruning. Japanese holly is also very hardy (Ilex crenata) and relatively dwarf. Might also consider Ilex glabra (Inkberry holly). I've developed something of an obsession with holly recently. I've got all of these and the larger tree varieties (Nellie Stevens, and English (I. aquifolium)). Your zone though is accommodating enough for many varieties. Good luck!
duluthinbloomz4
15 years ago
Burfords might be your best bet- saw lots of that in use for hedges or in small spaces in MD. Takes a hard prune very well. The dwarf varieties should be readily available just about anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic. Ilex Cornuta Burfurdii "Nana" is the most common dwarf and that has a possible height and spread of 5' or so left unchecked.
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harryshoe zone6 eastern Pennsylvania
15 years ago
Hollies thrive here. They are certainly hardy without protection. In fact, this time of year, they are the most attractive plants on my property.

I don't recall the names, but there are 4 or 5 different ones. Smaller varieties. Many have survived abrupt and inhumane transplanting experiences.

You can never have too many hollies!
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
15 years ago
Sounds like what you want is Ilex crenata 'Helleri' or 'Softtouch'. These are low-mounding and will take some trimming. They should make a nice large border. People also use boxwoods for borders as well.

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