Ilex aquipernyi San Jose

San Jose Holly

Ilex × aquipernyi ‘San Jose’ is a dense evergreen holly valued for its glossy dark green foliage, strong upright growth, and heavy production of bright red berries on female plants when pollinated. The leaves are spiny and resemble English holly but with improved hardiness and vigor from hybrid parentage. Its dense branching and dependable berry display make it highly useful in structured landscapes.

Type: Evergreen shrub
Mature Size: Width: 6–8 ft · Height: 10–15 ft
USDA Zones: 6a–9b

Form: Upright, pyramidal

Light: Full sun to part shade

Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil

Water: Medium; prefers regular moisture during establishment

Wildlife: Berries attract birds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for screening, hedges, specimen planting, and mixed evergreen borders where strong evergreen structure and winter berry display are desired. It tolerates pruning well for formal use.

Care:
Plant in well-drained acidic soil and avoid prolonged drought during establishment. Prune in late winter or early spring if shaping is needed. A male holly nearby improves berry production.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

10-15'

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

6–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation, Specimen

Shape

Pyramidal, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No