A compact, naturally rounded holly with small, glossy evergreen leaves and no prickles. It holds a tidy shape with little effort, which makes it a dependable choice for low hedges, borders and more formal gardens in the Valley.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub schedule in our Landscape Care guide. It tolerates some dry spells, but it needs steady water through the summer. How much water it gets largely sets how big it grows.
Pruning
Its natural shape is already round and dense, so it needs little more than an occasional light trim. It does take shearing well if you want a crisp, formal edge. Avoid heavy shearing in the peak of summer.
Soil
Unlike many hollies, it does surprisingly well in alkaline desert soils. Good drainage still matters.
Pests
Usually trouble-free here. Spider mites and scale show up occasionally on stressed plants.
How our designers use it
Low formal hedges
Its fine texture and slow growth keep a clipped line looking sharp, along walks, entries and patio edges.
Structure in lush gardens
A row or cluster gives green, year-round shape beneath flowering shrubs and around lawns.
A boxwood alternative
It gives the same clean, clipped look, and it tolerates alkaline desert soil well.
Good to know
Around the pool
Very low litter, with no thorns or prickly leaves. It is an easy shrub to place near seating and pool decks.
