Ilex opaca Jersey Princess

Jersey Princess American Holly

Ilex opaca ‘Jersey Princess’ is an evergreen holly valued for its glossy dark green foliage, dense pyramidal habit, and heavy production of bright red berries on female plants when pollinated. This American holly has classic spiny leaves and strong branching, creating excellent year-round structure with outstanding winter fruit display.

Type: Evergreen shrub
Mature Size: Width: 8–10 ft · Height: 15–20 ft
USDA Zones: 5a–9b

Form: Dense, 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, specimen planting, native evergreen borders, and large foundation plantings where strong winter berry display and classic evergreen form are desired. It is one of the most dependable fruiting American hollies.

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 American holly such as Jersey Knight® improves berry production.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

15-20'

Width

8-10'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation, Privacy Screen, Specimen

Shape

Dense, Pyramidal

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No