Ilex opaca 'Judy Evans'

'Judy Evans' American Holly

Ilex opaca ‘Judy Evans’ is an evergreen holly valued for its glossy dark green foliage, dense branching, and bright red berries on female plants when pollinated. This American holly has classic spiny leaves and a strong pyramidal habit that provides dependable year-round structure. The berry display adds vivid fall and winter color.

Type: Evergreen shrub
Mature Size: Width: 8–10 ft · Height: 12–15 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 winter berry display and strong evergreen form are desired. Its dense branching gives strong landscape presence.

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 nearby improves berry production.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

12-15'

Width

8-10'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Does not flower, Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Foundation

Shape

Dense, Pyramidal

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No