Mary Nell Holly is a dense pyramidal evergreen shrub with glossy spined dark green leaves.  If pollinated, the clusters of inconspicuous flowers in spring give way to heavy clusters of large red fruits in fall which lasts through winter.  Best planted in full sun and moist, slightly acidic well-drained soils.  Hollies are dioecious and need both male and female plants to produce fruit.  Drought tolerant once established.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Low Maintenance.  Water regularly.   Well-drained soils essential.   Potential issues include mites, scale, leaf spot, rot, and mildew.  Susceptible to leaf scorch or drop if not protected from afternoon sun in hotter climates.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Privacy Screen, Hedges, Foundation Plantings, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS:  Astilbe, Hydrangea, Magnolia

Image: Photo by David J. Stang, Ilex x Mary Nell 1zz, CC BY-SA 4.0