Ilex cornuta Dazzler

Dazzler Holly

Ilex cornuta ‘Dazzler’ is an evergreen shrub valued for its glossy dark green foliage boldly edged with creamy yellow to gold variegation, giving the plant bright year-round color. The thick horned leaves provide the bold texture typical of Chinese holly, and female plants may produce bright red berries when pollinated. Its colorful foliage makes it especially striking even without fruit.

Type: Evergreen shrub
Mature Size: Width: 5–7 ft · Height: 6–8 ft
USDA Zones: 7a–9b

Form: Dense, upright-rounded

Light: Full sun to part shade

Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to a range of soils

Water: Medium; drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Berries attract birds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for specimen planting, hedges, mixed evergreen borders, and foundation plantings where variegated foliage provides strong contrast. The foliage remains ornamental throughout all seasons.

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

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

10'

Width

10-15'

Hardiness zones

7–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Dense, Rounded, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No