Wilson Holly Evergreen Shrub | Dense Privacy Hedge Plant

Wilson Holly

15 Gallon

$219.00

1/2

Wilson Holly

Ilex × altaclerensis ‘Wilsonii’

A classic, smooth-leaved holly for iconic red berries and stately evergreen structure.

$219.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Bring the timeless, iconic beauty of a classic English Holly to your garden with the superior adaptability of Wilson Holly. This exceptional cultivar boasts the same glossy, deep green, leathery foliage and vibrant red berries that define the holiday season, but in a more garden-friendly form. Its leaves are elegantly smooth-edged, lacking the sharp spines of its traditional cousins, making it safer for high-traffic areas. A robust and statuesque evergreen, it forms a dense, pyramidal tree perfect as a stunning specimen, a formal screen, or for creating a living legacy of seasonal cheer. In our Zone 9a climate, it rewards thoughtful placement with its majestic, year-round presence.

• Classic Holiday Silhouette: Produces the iconic glossy, deep green, leathery leaves and, with a pollinator, abundant bright red winter berries.
• Smooth, Spineless Foliage: Features leaves with smooth or barely-toothed margins, unlike the prickly English holly, making it more versatile and family-friendly.
• Large, Stately Evergreen Tree: Matures into a handsome, dense, pyramidal form, reaching 15-20 feet tall and 10-12 feet wide over time.
• Superior Drought & Deer Resistance: Once established, shows good drought tolerance for a holly and is reliably resistant to deer browsing.
• Needs Pollinator for Berries: A female variety. To produce its signature red berries, it requires a compatible male holly (e.g., Ilex aquifolium 'Prince of Wales') planted nearby.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: Long-elliptic, stiff, glossy, deep green leaves with almost spineless margins.Fruit: Produces bright red berries in fall and winter only when a male pollinator is planted nearby.Habit: Evergreen shrub or small tree with a dense, compact, pyramidal to rounded habit. Reddish-brown, relatively smooth bark. Drought tolerant and deer resistant.
Mature Height: 15–20 ft
Mature Width: 10–12 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Key Advantages:Attractive evergreen foliage with classic holly form.Bright red berries provide winter interest (with pollinator).Drought tolerant once established.Deer resistant and low maintenance
Landscape Uses:Hedges, screens, and windbreaks.Specimen or accent tree.Mediterranean and drought-tolerant gardens.Slopes and banks for erosion control.Foundation plantings (with adequate space)

Q: What are its critical sun and water needs in the Bay Area's Zone 9a?
A: This is key for success. It prefers partial shade (especially afternoon shade) to protect against leaf scorch from our intense sun. It requires regular, deep watering, especially during dry periods, to maintain healthy foliage. It is not a "plant and forget" drought-tolerant shrub.

Q: Which male holly is recommended as a pollinator?
A: A compatible male English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is typically recommended. Specific male cultivars like 'Prince of Wales' or 'Blue Prince' are reliable choices. Ensure the male plant flowers at the same time (spring) as your Wilson Holly.