Other Names:  Holly Leaf, Holly-Leaved Cherry, Evergreen Cherry

Description:

An evergreen shrub, or small tree with glossy, holly-like dark green leaves; showy, white flower spikes in spring, followed by dark red fruit; makes a stunning hedge, screen,or accent plant, and takes pruning very well

Ornamental Features

Hollyleaf Cherry features showy racemes of lightly-scented white flowers rising above the foliage from early to late spring. It has attractive dark green evergreen foliage. The glossy pointy leaves are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter. The fruits are showy plum purple drupes displayed in mid summer.

Landscape Attributes

Hollyleaf Cherry is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spiny

Hollyleaf Cherry is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Hollyleaf Cherry will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America.