Christmas Jewel Holly

Christmas Jewel Holly (Ilex x 'Christmas Jewel')

Christmas Jewel Holly (Ilex x 'Christmas Jewel') is a striking female hybrid holly known for its narrow, upright form and abundance of glossy red berries that appear without the need for a pollinator. This evergreen holly combines ornamental beauty with low-maintenance reliability, offering year-round structure and vibrant seasonal interest in both formal and naturalized settings.

Distinctive Features

'Christmas Jewel' features dark green, spiny, lance-shaped leaves that hold their color year-round. It produces bright red berries even without a male pollinator, making it a self-fruitful option for gardeners seeking dependable winter color with minimal planning. With a mature height of 10 to 15 feet and a narrow 4 to 6-foot spread, it fits easily into tight spaces where vertical structure is desired.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
• Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Dense evergreen form and vivid berries create strong year-round interest
• Foundation Planting: Narrow footprint suits tight spaces and corner accents
• Privacy Screen: Useful as a vertical element in evergreen hedges
• Holiday Accent: Berries and foliage are excellent for seasonal arrangements
• Mixed Evergreen Borders: Adds color and structure to multi-layered plantings

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment; more tolerant once mature
• Pruning: Little required; prune lightly in late winter to shape if desired
• Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release evergreen fertilizer in spring
• Mulching: Helps retain moisture and reduce weed competition
• Pollination: Self-fruitful; does not require a male to produce berries

Why Choose Christmas Jewel Holly?

• Self-Fruitful: Produces berries without the need for a pollinator
• Compact and Upright: Perfect for narrow spaces or vertical accents
• Evergreen Beauty: Glossy foliage and red berries shine year-round
• Low Maintenance: Requires little pruning or intervention once established
• Focal Point: Brings reliable winter interest and formal structure to landscapes

Ilex x 'Christmas Jewel' delivers dependable color, compact structure, and ease of care, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking four-season beauty with minimal maintenance.