Emerald Colonnade® Holly | Upright Dense Evergreen Shrub

Emerald Colonnade Holly

5 Gallon

$129.00

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Emerald Colonnade Holly

Ilex x 'RutHol1'

A fast-growing, sterile holly that forms a dense, pyramidal privacy screen.

$129.00

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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.

Achieve effortless privacy with the elegant, fast-forming Emerald Colonnade Holly. This improved holly cultivar grows into a stately, narrow pyramid of lush, deep green foliage, creating a dense visual screen without sprawling. Its naturally uniform, columnar shape requires little pruning to maintain a clean, formal appearance, making it an ideal, low-maintenance solution for property lines, pool enclosures, or as a living backdrop for mixed borders. Sterile and non-berry-producing, it eliminates any worry about unwanted seedlings, allowing you to enjoy its impeccable structure and lush privacy year-round.

• Narrow, Pyramidal Form: Grows into a dense, tightly branched column that widens slightly at the base, forming a natural pyramid up to 8-10 ft tall and 3-4 ft wide.
• Fast-Growing Privacy Screen: Has a moderate to fast growth rate, quickly forming an effective, lush evergreen screen for privacy and wind protection.
• Sterile & Low-Maintenance: A male, non-berry-producing variety that eliminates any mess or seeding issues. Requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape.
• Superior Disease Resistance: Bred for improved resistance to common holly issues, ensuring a healthy, vibrant appearance with less care.
• Versatile Landscape Solution: Excellent as a tall hedge, foundation plant, or architectural specimen where a formal, vertical element is desired.

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:Small, oval, leathery green leaves. Produces insignificant creamy-white flowers (female plant, requires male pollinator for berries). Naturally pyramidal form with dense branching.
Mature Height: 8-10 ft
Mature Width: 3-4 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Key Advantages:Narrow columnar habit (1/3 the width of standard hollies),Maintains shape without pruning,Deer resistant,Tolerates urban conditions
Landscape Uses:Privacy screens,Formal hedges,Foundation plantings,Tight spaces
Special Care:Plant male pollinator nearby for berry production,Water regularly until established,Fertilize in early spring,Prune in winter if shaping needed
Seasonal Interest:Foliage: Year-round evergreen,Berries: Red (if pollinated) winter

Q: How does it compare to 'Sky Pencil' for a privacy screen?
A: 'Emerald Colonnade' is wider and faster-growing than 'Sky Pencil', making it better suited for creating a substantial visual barrier more quickly. 'Sky Pencil' is better for ultra-narrow accents.

Q: How far apart should I plant them for a hedge?
A: For a dense, continuous screen, space plants approximately 3 feet apart, center to center. This allows them to grow together while maintaining good air circulation at the base.