Ilex opaca 'Red Velvet'

Red Velvet American Holly

A well-branched, broadly conical, broadleaf female selection growing  15' tall by 10' wide in 25 years. Clusters of small white flowers open in spring. Needs a male pollinator to produce bright red berries that persist through most of the winter. Use as an evergreen hedge or specimen for winter interest.
Provides nectar and pollen for pollinators, food and cover for songbirds, quail and other wildlife. 
Excellent used as a screen or specimen plant.

  • Habit is dense, upright
  • Olive green foliage
  • White flowers

  • Category: Tree, Native
  • Hardiness Zone: 5-9
  • Height: 25-30 ft
  • Spread: 10-15 ft
  • Bloom Color: White
  • Foliage Color: Green
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Landscape Characteristics
Foliage Color
Ornamental Fruit
Classification by Use
Color Impact
Hedge/Screen
Mass Planting
Native
Specialty Use
Wildlife Garden
Woodland Garden
Animal Resistance
Deer Resistant
Rabbit Resistant
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Songbirds
Habit
Pyramidal
Upright
Light Requirement
Full Sun
Part Sun
Part Shade
Foliage
Evergreen
Season of Interest (Flowering)
Spring
Season of Interest (Foliage)
Fall
Spring
Summer
Winter
Growth Rate
Slow
Soil Moisture
Average Water
Well-Drained
Wet Soil/Wetlands
Foliage Color
Green
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Ilex opaca 'Red Velvet'

Plant in moderately fertile, moist, acidic, well-drained soil. Shade, partial shade, or full sun if moisture is adequate. Avoid extremely dry soils and poorly drained soil. Protect from cold winter winds and strong winter sun. Afternoon shade is best in warm summer climates.