Ilex × ‘Mary Nell’, commonly known as Mary Nell Holly, is a vigorous broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its unique, glossy, serrated foliage and dense pyramidal form. This non-native hybrid holly matures at 15 to 20 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide, making it a popular choice for privacy screens, formal hedges, or specimen plantings. In fall and winter, bright red berries form, adding seasonal interest and some value to birds. While highly ornamental and low-maintenance, Mary Nell Holly is a hybrid of non-native parentage and offers limited support for pollinators and native insects.

Why choose Mary Nell Holly:

• Striking foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves with pronounced serration for bold texture

• Year-round structure: Dense, upright growth habit provides evergreen form and privacy

• Berries for winter: Bright red fruit adds color and some bird interest in fall and winter

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Grows best in full sun to part shade

• Soil needs: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil

• Maintenance: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape or maintain size

Designs for your garden:

• Evergreen screens: Excellent for privacy hedging and windbreaks

• Formal landscapes: Pyramidal form and rich color complement traditional gardens

• Seasonal interest beds: Use as a backdrop to highlight blooming perennials or grasses

Ecological considerations:

• Hybrid of non-native species: Provides limited food or habitat for native wildlife

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

• Best used with natives: Pair with native shrubs to improve habitat value

Looking for native alternatives?

Ilex opaca – American Holly: A tall, native evergreen with red berries and glossy foliage that supports pollinators and birds.
Ilex glabra ‘Shamrock’ – Shamrock Inkberry: A compact native evergreen with dark green leaves and a mounding habit, perfect for borders and foundation plantings.
Ilex glabra ‘Compacta’ – Compact Inkberry: A dense, rounded native shrub ideal for low hedging and habitat-friendly design.