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Southern Living Plant Collection

Low Rider Holly (Ilex)

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$19.99
  • Dense intertwining foliage consisting of dark green leaves
  • Matures to 3-4' wide by 3-4' tall
  • Hardy in USDA Zones 6 - 9
  • Plant in full sun to part shade
Pot size

Description

The Low Rider™ Holly (Ilex) is a dynamic landscaping shrub from the Southern Living Plant Collection! It has petite, dark green leaves that grow plentifully and densely. This foliage is evergreen and quite compact. Left untrimmed, it will grow in a naturally rounded shape that matures to 3-4' H x 3-4' W. However, thanks to its small leaves and tight growth, this plant is also perfect for hard trimming. It takes on sharp edges very nicely and can even be shaped into topiary forms. Therefore, it's a welcome addition to formal landscapes as well.

This shrub is far hardier than similar varieties. It's notably disease and insect resistant, so it rarely falls victim to yard-pests or pathogens. Furthermore, it's tolerant of clay soil and salt in its planting location.

Low Rider Holly Care

  • This variety is hardy from USDA Zones 6-9
  • It grows best in Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • It's tolerant of most soil types
  • Water your new plantings 2-3 times per week for the first growing season
  • Fertilize with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring

Popular Companion Plants for the Low Rider Holly

  • We recommend planting the Low Rider with plants that will create a rich color contrast. The Sunshine Ligustrum shares a nice rounded growth habit but it also has a very different color and foliage presence in the landscape. The Forever Goldy Arborvitae has a distinctly different color and shape texture that creates a striking contrast with this Ilex. The Gold Mop False Cypress is another great choice that features bright yellow color and a semi-weeping habit.
  • Plant it with some flowering perennials like Gerbera Daisies or Agapanthus. They'll provide brilliant color that will really pop against the Low Rider's reliable foliage.
  • Mix them in with some formal upright evergreens like Italian Cypress or Juniper Trees. They'll play off each other's reliable structure to create a truly elegant display.

Care & Use

Getting Started: Understanding Your New Plant

Review your plant's information on our website or the tag that comes with it. Be mindful of sunlight preferences, soil type, and spacing needs.

Our plants are adaptable but grow best in the correct USDA Zones. Click here to learn more about your USDA Zone.

Planting Instructions

Dig a Hole

First, dig a hole three times the width of the root ball of your plant. This makes it easier for the root system to spread out quickly. Dig the hole deep enough that your plant will sit level with or slightly above the ground around it.

Amend Your Soil

Mix your native soil with rich gardening soil to provide extra nutrients and support plant growth. If your soil is clay-heavy, we recommend mixing your native clay soil with equal parts of Pine Bark mulch to improve drainage and the overall breathability of your soil.

Place Your Plant

Examine the roots. If they appear tightly bound, gently coax them apart; this ensures they can spread into the new soil. Place your plant in the hole so the top of the rootball is even with the surrounding soil—Backfill around it with the amended soil mixture. The roots need access to oxygen for your plant to thrive, so do not cover the rootball; place soil around it.

Mulch Your Plants

Top the soil beneath your plant with 3-4 inches of mulch to help it retain moisture. Be careful not to cover the rootball - your new plants roots need access to oxygen.

Water Your Plant

Soak the plant with a hose afterward to hydrate the plant, as well as get the soil and mulch situated. Develop a regular watering schedule based on your plant's needs and local weather patterns. Remember, over watering is just as, if not more, harmful than under watering.

Spacing Recommendations

Spacing Your Low Rider Holly

For a seamless planting, we recommend planting 2 feet apart. This will ensure that they intertwine their foliage nicely. If you'd like space between your plants, plant them 3.5-4 feet apart or more.

  • Scientific Name
    Ilex crenata 'BLH01' PP29799
  • Hardiness Zone
    6, 7, 8, 9
  • Sun Exposure
    Full Sun to Part Shade
  • Evergreen or Deciduous
    Evergreen
  • Features
    Dwarf
  • Feature Color
    Green
  • Uses
    Border, Container, Foundation Planting, Hedge, Mass Planting, Mixed Garden Bed
  • Water Needs
    Water-Wise
  • Bloom Season
    None

Growing Zones : 6, 7, 8, and 9

Map of USDA Zones 6-9
Southern Living Plant Collection Nandinas planted in a container with heucherella in front of a fireplace

Southern Living Plants

A collection of shrubs, trees, and perennials selected by plant experts to thrive in the heat of the South. Find traditional varieties like camellias mixed with new landscape favorites like agapanthus. These varieties have been bred to tackle landscape challenges specific to the region.

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2.5 Quart Low Rider Holly for sale with large bushy evergreen habit in a brown southern living plants pot on a white background
Southern Living Plant Collection

Low Rider Holly (Ilex)

$19.99

The Low Rider™ Holly (Ilex) is a dynamic landscaping shrub from the Southern Living Plant Collection! It has petite, dark green leaves that grow plentifully and densely. This foliage is evergreen and quite compact. Left untrimmed, it will grow in a naturally rounded shape that matures to 3-4' H x 3-4' W. However, thanks to its small leaves and tight growth, this plant is also perfect for hard trimming. It takes on sharp edges very nicely and can even be shaped into topiary forms. Therefore, it's a welcome addition to formal landscapes as well.

This shrub is far hardier than similar varieties. It's notably disease and insect resistant, so it rarely falls victim to yard-pests or pathogens. Furthermore, it's tolerant of clay soil and salt in its planting location.

Low Rider Holly Care

Popular Companion Plants for the Low Rider Holly

Pot size

  • 2.5 Quart
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