Doctor Kassab Holly

Doctor Kassab Holly (Ilex x 'Doctor Kassab')

Doctor Kassab Holly is an evergreen, pyramidal holly with softly curved, dark green leaves and a dense, formal outline suited to screens or specimens. As a female selection, it sets showy red berries when a compatible male holly blooms nearby in spring.

Distinctive Features

Hybrid vigor from Chinese and Perny parentage yields glossy foliage that is far less prickly than many hollies. Tight branching builds a refined living fence, and abundant berries appear with a suitable pollenizer.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best density and fruiting in at least half day sun.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils; adaptable once established.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment, then deep water in extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9.
• Mature Size: Typically 10 to 15 ft tall and 6 to 10 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Dense pyramidal form and glossy leaves create a year round anchor.
• Hedges and Screens: Clips cleanly for a polished, evergreen barrier.
• Foundation Planting: Structured habit frames entries and corners.
• Wildlife Value: With a male nearby, berries provide seasonal food for birds.
• Background Plant: Dark foliage sets off flowering shrubs and perennials.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly the first season; provide deep, occasional soaks in summer drought.
• Pruning: Shape in late winter or after spring growth to maintain lines and density.
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with an acid-forming, slow release fertilizer if soil tests indicate need.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 inch mulch ring to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, keeping mulch off stems.
• Notes: Female cultivar requires a nearby spring-blooming male holly for fruit set; site with wind protection in colder exposures.

Why Choose Doctor Kassab Holly?

• Refined Texture: Soft, glossy leaves without harsh spines.
• Four-Season Structure: Evergreen, pyramidal habit holds a clean line year round.
• Screening Power: Dense growth delivers privacy with manageable care.
• Fruit Potential: Reliable red berries when a male pollenizer is present.
• Adaptable: Tolerant of varied soils and urban conditions with drainage.

Plant in sun to part shade with well drained, slightly acidic soil, pair with a compatible male holly for berries, and prune lightly to preserve the crisp, pyramidal form.