Botanical Name
Ilex Mariesii
RedCrocus Ilex mariesii Holly – Live Evergreen Shrub, Glossy Foliage, Fragrant Spring Flowers, Winter Berries (on female plants); Ideal Hedge, Foundation or Specimen Plant 5 Gallon Nursery Pot
RedCrocus Ilex mariesii Holly – Live Evergreen Shrub, Glossy Foliage, Fragrant Spring Flowers, Winter Berries (on female plants); Ideal Hedge, Foundation or Specimen Plant 5 Gallon Nursery Pot
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$340.00 USD
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$442.00 USD
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$340.00 USD
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SKU:berf880-redcrocus
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Ilex Mariesii
Evergreen Holly • Year‑round structure
Classic holly character with glossy foliage and dependable winter interest.
Description
Ilex Mariesii is an evergreen holly valued for its dense, glossy foliage, neat habit, and striking winter display. Small, creamy‑white, lightly fragrant spring flowers attract pollinators; on female plants, these give way to bright berries when a compatible male is nearby—bringing vibrant seasonal color and food for birds. Its naturally upright, pyramidal to oval form makes it equally suited to specimen use, hedging, or foundation planting, and it responds well to pruning and shaping.
Note: Hollies are a diverse group. Where specific details vary by selection, the guidance below reflects typical traits and care for evergreen hollies grown in temperate gardens.
Suggested Uses
Specimen shrub or small tree
Evergreen hedge or screen
Foundation and entry plantings
Topiary and formal gardens
Wildlife and pollinator-friendly gardens
Winter interest & holiday cut greens
Mixed borders with acid-loving plants
Coastal and urban landscapes (with protection from harsh winds)
Plant Details
Common Name
Ilex Mariesii
Size & Growth
Typically 10–15 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide; upright pyramidal to oval habit; dense, well-branched framework.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 6–9 (may vary by selection; some hollies succeed in Zone 5 with protection)
Foliage Type
Evergreen; glossy, deep green leaves with subtle to pronounced spines—excellent year‑round texture.
Bloom Time
Late spring (small, creamy white flowers); flowers are often lightly fragrant and dioecious (separate male and female plants).
Growth Rate
Moderate; about 12–18 in (30–45 cm) per year under good conditions.
Light Requirements
Full sun to partial shade; best berry set and denser form in at least 4–6 hours of sun.
Attracts Pollinators
Yes—spring flowers attract bees and hoverflies; berries (on female plants) provide food for birds in winter.
Indoor Friendly
Not recommended as a houseplant; best performance outdoors in the landscape.
Container Friendly
Yes—grows well in large, well-drained containers for several years; root prune or up‑pot as needed.
Deer Resistant
Generally deer-resistant; occasional browsing of tender growth may occur in scarce forage periods.
Pet Warning
Berries and foliage can be mildly to moderately toxic if ingested by pets or people; may cause GI upset—plant away from play areas.
Fragrant
Flowers are subtly sweet-fragrant at close range in late spring.
Cut Flower
Excellent for cutting—evergreen branches (and berries on female plants) add structure to winter arrangements.
Grows Well With
Rhododendron, Azalea, Pieris, Camellia, Leucothoe, Hellebores, Ferns, Heuchera, Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa).
Care Tips
Planting Instructions
Plant in spring or early fall. Dig a hole 2–3× as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Set root flare at or slightly above soil level, backfill with native soil amended with compost, and water deeply. For berries, site a compatible male within 15–50 ft of female plants. Space 5–8 ft apart for hedges.
Soil Moisture
Keep evenly moist but not waterlogged the first growing season (about 1" of water/week). Once established, moderately drought tolerant; deep, infrequent watering is best during dry spells.
Soil Type
Prefers acidic, well‑drained loam enriched with organic matter; target pH 5.0–6.5. Avoid highly alkaline soils to prevent nutrient chlorosis.
Humidity
Average garden humidity is fine. Provide a windbreak in exposed sites to reduce winter desiccation, especially in colder zones.
Pruning Instructions
Prune lightly in late winter to early spring to shape and thin; remove crossing or damaged wood. For hedges, shear after bloom to preserve pollinator resources. Avoid heavy pruning late in the season to prevent tender growth before frost.
Winter Care
Mulch 2–3" over the root zone (keep off the trunk). Water during winter dry spells when the ground is thawed. In windy, exposed, or Zone 6 sites, consider burlap windbreaks or anti-desiccant sprays to limit leaf scorch.
Planting Depth
Set the crown/root flare at or 1–2" above finished grade. Loosen or tease circling roots on container plants to encourage outward growth.
Fertilization
Feed in early spring with a slow‑release, acid‑forming fertilizer for broadleaf evergreens (e.g., 3‑1‑2 or 4‑3‑4). Top‑dress with compost; avoid high‑nitrogen fertilizers after midsummer.
Special Care
Dioecious: select a suitable male pollinator for fruit set on female plants. Monitor for holly leaf miner, scale, and spider mites; treat early if detected. If leaves yellow on high‑pH soils, apply chelated iron and adjust pH. Maintain a consistent mulch layer for root health.