Ilex Centennial Girl

Hybrid Holly

Ilex ‘Centennial Girl’ is a dense evergreen holly valued for its glossy dark green foliage and exceptionally heavy display of bright red berries on female plants when properly pollinated. The foliage is lustrous and lightly spined, creating a neat formal appearance, while the abundant berry set provides strong ornamental interest from fall through winter.

Type: Evergreen shrub
Mature Size: Width: 4–6 ft · Height: 6–8 ft
USDA Zones: 5a–9b

Form: Dense, 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 hedges, foundation plantings, screening, and specimen use where evergreen form and reliable winter berry display are desired. The dense habit works especially well in formal landscapes.

Care:
Plant in well-drained acidic soil and avoid poorly drained sites. Prune in late winter or early spring if shaping is needed. A male holly nearby is needed for best berry production.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

6-8'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation, Foundation Plant, Specimen

Shape

Dense, Pyramidal, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No