Although this plant is related to the English holly (I. aquifolium), it seems to have smaller leaves and a slower growth habit. I. spini...Read Moregera flowers extremely early in the spring and requires a correspondingly early-blooming male holly nearby to ensure pollination...perhaps a Chinese holly male or an I. cornuta x pernyi hybrid such as 'John T. Morris'. When pollination has been successful, I. spinigera bears fairly large red fruits.
In our Zone 7a, Petersburg, VA yard, we have Persian Holly growing along our driveway. It should have been planted elsewhere, because it...Read Mores planting strip is too narrow and I have to prune it more often than I'd like. However, it is a healthy, vigorous plant. It sends out new plants through spreading roots. I have dug up some of the volunteers and given them away to a couple who wanted to discourage the neighbor's children from tromping through their yard, and to a man who wanted to discourage burglars from climbing into the windows of his house. A well-established hedge could probably keep out tanks. The leaves are thick, stiff, and as spiny as a cactus. Still, it is attractive and a useful plant when placed properly.
Although this plant is related to the English holly (I. aquifolium), it seems to have smaller leaves and a slower growth habit. I. spini...Read More
In our Zone 7a, Petersburg, VA yard, we have Persian Holly growing along our driveway. It should have been planted elsewhere, because it...Read More