Holly shrubs and trees are truly iconic plants. Since most are evergreen and many have colorful berries, they are a boon to the snowy landscape, making them symbolic of winter and the Christmas season. Holly shrubs can be used as hedges, foundation plantings, border screens, or even as specimen plants or rain garden plants. Here are 5 common types of holly shrubs for your landscape.

USDA Growing Zones: 5–8Color Varieties: Dark green foliage with bluish overtones; red berriesSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic

USDA Growing Zones: 5–8Color Varieties: Deep green, glossy leaves; blackish berriesSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic

This feature makes ‘Sky Pencil’ popular in landscaping around front entries; such columnar plants effectively frame an entrance. Alternatively, another use for this holly shrub in foundation plantings is at the corners of a house (for a “bookend” effect).

USDA Growing Zones: 5b–9Color Varieties: Dark green foliage; blackish berriesSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic

This species has an upright, rounded form, growing to as much as 8 feet tall. The leaves have the familiar glossy dark green color, but without the sharp teeth found on most hollies. It is known for having very good performance in damp, wet locations. It suckers rather profusely, but cultivars such as ‘Shamrock’ are better behaved in this regard.

USDA Growing Zones: 5–10aColor Varieties: Dark green foliage; small black berriesSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic; tolerates wet soils

This holly grows 3 to 15 feet tall, with the dark-green toothed leaves common to hollies. This species has an even greater tendency to sucker and spread than most hollies. It has a variety of landscape uses but is most often massed or used to attract birds. It is also a common shrub to use in rain gardens.

USDA Growing Zones: 3–9Color Varieties: Dark green glossy leaves; profuse bright red berriesSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic; good tolerance for poorly drained soils