Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Holly is a trouble-free broadleaf evergreen that tolerates a range of growing climates from USDA zone 6-8. The deep green and glossy leaves provide cover for birds and other small wildlife in the garden. The smallish white flowers in early summer develop into juicy red berries that are sought after by both birds and floral arrangers. Dragon Lady holly is a tall and narrow variety that works well as a specimen plant for a small garden space or as part of a formal or informal hedge planting.
Low maintenance should be the middle name of this holly. Plant Dragon Lady in full sun or part shade with complete confidence that it will grow vigorously and provide a deep green backdrop for other shrubs and seasonal herbaceous perennials. Deer do not give holly a second glance, making it good for planting around the edges of the garden to discourage deer from browsing or venturing into more susceptible areas.
Dragon Lady Holly Care
Holly needs well-draining soil on the acidic side to produce deep green foliage and abundant flowers. It accepts full sun to part shade, making Dragon Lady easy to include in already established garden borders. Holly is drought tolerant and needs little supplemental watering after this evergreen is established. Fertilize it early in the spring as new growth begins. Dragon Lady is not self-fertile and requires a male holly, such as Blue Prince, to produce berries.
Prune for size in early summer after new growth has emerged. Prune new green growth only, and avoid cutting into the older wood that is less likely to sprout. Deadheading is not necessary and will prevent the production of berries. Birds and other wildlife love the berries and will feast on them throughout the fall and winter months.
Dragon Lady Holly Spacing
The straight, upright growth of Dragon Lady makes this holly great for structuring smaller gardens and creating dense hedges. The mature height is 15-18 feet with a width of 4-5 feet. Plant multiple shrubs 4 feet apart, measured from their centers. Dragon Lady also grows well in large planters at least 24 inches in diameter.
Dragon Lady Holly Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 6 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 15-18 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 4-5 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- Flower Description
- Small White
- Bloom Time
- Late Spring
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Pointed and lustrous deep green foliage
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Dragon Lady Holly
- Also Known As
- Dragon Lady Holly
- Botanical Name
- Ilex x aquipernyi Dragon Lady
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
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