Ilex × ‘Conaf’ Oakleaf™, commonly known as Red Oakleaf Holly, is a distinctive hybrid evergreen shrub named for its striking oakleaf-shaped, glossy dark green foliage. Growing 12 to 20 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide, this vigorous pyramidal holly is ideal for tall hedging, privacy screens, or as a bold specimen in the landscape. In fall and winter, female plants produce clusters of bright red berries that add seasonal interest. While highly ornamental and easy to grow, Oakleaf™ Holly is a hybrid of non-native parentage and offers limited support to native pollinators and wildlife.

Why choose Oakleaf™ Holly:

• Unique foliage: Deeply lobed, oakleaf-shaped leaves offer bold year-round texture

• Red winter berries: Adds bright seasonal color and some wildlife interest

• Versatile screening shrub: Dense, upright growth ideal for hedges and privacy

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Best in full sun to part shade

• Soil needs: Prefers well-drained, acidic soil; adaptable once established

• Maintenance: Minimal pruning required to maintain natural shape

Designs for your garden:

• Privacy hedge: A formal and effective living screen with bold evergreen form

• Specimen planting: Focal point in mixed shrub borders or near entryways

• Four-season landscapes: Offers year-round foliage and winter berry color

Ecological considerations:

• Hybrid of non-native species: Offers minimal benefit to native insects and pollinators

• Not a host plant: Does not support native caterpillars or specialist wildlife

• Combine with natives: Use alongside native evergreens to enhance biodiversity

Looking for native alternatives?

Ilex opaca – American Holly: A tall native evergreen tree with red berries and strong ecological value for birds and beneficial insects.
Ilex glabra ‘Shamrock’ – Shamrock Inkberry: A compact native broadleaf evergreen ideal for borders and foundation plantings.
Ilex glabra ‘Compacta’ – Compact Inkberry: A dense, mounded native holly perfect for low hedging with seasonal interest and native habitat value.