Wyeriver Queen Holly

Wyeriver Queen Holly (Ilex x wyeriana 'Wyeriver Queen')

Wyeriver Queen Holly (Ilex x wyeriana 'Wyeriver Queen') is a unique evergreen female holly cultivar best known for its bright yellow berries and fine-textured, spineless foliage. A rare and ornamental hybrid, this holly adds a striking splash of winter color while maintaining a softer, more refined look compared to traditional hollies. Its moderate size and graceful habit make it ideal as a garden focal point or a colorful companion in mixed borders.

Distinctive Features

'Wyeriver Queen' typically grows 8 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, forming a rounded, upright habit. The glossy, narrow leaves are spineless, offering a smoother texture that works well in high-traffic areas. In fall, bright golden-yellow berries appear on female plants, persisting into winter when a male pollinator is nearby. The unusual fruit color adds variety and contrast in the landscape, particularly against dark evergreens or snowy backdrops.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
• Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but is adaptable
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Golden berries and soft-textured foliage offer standout seasonal interest
• Mixed Borders: Adds contrast among traditional red-berried hollies and evergreens
• Foundation Plantings: Gentle form and spineless leaves suit front-of-house applications
• Wildlife Gardens: Attracts birds with its winter fruit
• Specimen Planting: Rare fruit color makes it a conversation piece

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Maintain regular watering during establishment; tolerates short dry periods once mature
• Pruning: Minimal; prune in late winter or early spring to shape if needed
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer formulated for acid-loving evergreens in spring
• Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and protect root zone
• Pollination: Requires a male pollinator such as Ilex x wyeriana 'John T. Morris' for berry production

Why Choose Wyeriver Queen Holly?

• Bright Yellow Berries: Offers a unique twist on winterberry color
• Spineless Foliage: Safe and soft-textured for high-traffic areas
• Refined Form: Graceful habit fits well into mixed borders and small gardens
• Seasonal Appeal: Colorful fruit display lasts through winter
• Focal Point: A rare, ornamental evergreen that elevates garden design

Ilex x wyeriana 'Wyeriver Queen' brings refined texture, golden winter color, and landscape distinction to gardens seeking something beyond the ordinary�an exceptional holly for collectors and designers alike.