DRAGON LADY HOLLY

DRAGON LADY HOLLY

3 gallon
$45.49
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DRAGON LADY HOLLY

DRAGON LADY HOLLY

ILEX X 'DRAGON LADY'

Pot Size
$45.49
Dragon Lady Holly is a narrow, pyramidal evergreen reaching 15–20' tall and 5–6' wide, perfect for small spaces. Dark spiny leaves shine year-round. When pollinated, it produces abundant red berries through winter. Naturally dense, no pruning needed, and deer-resistant.

Quick Facts

Mature Height 10-20 feet
Mature Spread 4-6 feet
Grow Zone USDA Zones 6-9
Bloom Time Late Spring / Early Summer

Plant Care

Will this plant thrive in your climate?

Make sure you live within USDA Zones 6-9 by checking our Grow Zone Guide.

Planting

Choose a planting site with well-drained soil. While adaptable to various soil types, 'Dragon Lady' holly prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Carefully remove the plant from its container, loosen any circling roots, and place it in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground. Backfill with the excavated soil, gently tamping to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. For hedges, space plants 4-6 feet apart. Mulch around the base of the plant with 2-3 inches of organic material to help retain moisture.

Pruning

Dragon Lady Holly naturally grows into a desirable pyramidal shape and generally requires minimal pruning. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, or after the last frost if you want to preserve berries for as long as possible. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Light shaping can be done to maintain its dense form or to control its size. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall, as this can stimulate new growth that may be damaged by winter cold.

Fertilizing

Fertilize in early spring before new growth emerges. Use a slow-release, balanced granular fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants or an all-purpose evergreen fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates based on the plant's size. Alternatively, you can apply a layer of compost around the base of the plant annually to enrich the soil. Ensure the plant is well-watered before and after applying fertilizer.

Winter Preparation

'Dragon Lady' Holly is quite hardy, but some preparation can ensure it thrives through winter. Ensure the plant is well-hydrated going into winter. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base will help insulate the roots from extreme temperature fluctuations. In areas with heavy snowfall, consider gently brushing off heavy snow from branches to prevent breakage, particularly for younger plants.

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