Carissa Holly
Carissa Holly
The backbone of any modern garden, the Carissa Holly is the perfect choice of foliage in that it’s hassle free, a steady grower, and a great hedge choice.
- COMPACT: Ideal for use as a low hedge, this is a very compact and dense foliage shrub with lush green growth.
- EVERGREEN: Ideal for keeping color all year round, a level of support to any garden or area.
- FRAGRANT BLOOM: In the spring, the Carissa Holly is the perfect choice of foliage in that it’s hassle free, a steady grower, and a great hedge choice.
Questions & Answers
Have a Question?
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Does holly bush need very much sun
Carissa Holly (Ilex cornuta 'Carissa') prefers full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate some shade, it performs best and maintains its dense, compact growth when it receives ample sunlight.
Sunlight Requirements:
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Full Sun: Ideally, Carissa Holly should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This helps the plant develop its best form and the most vibrant leaf color.
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Partial Shade: The plant can still grow well with 3-6 hours of sunlight per day, especially in hot climates where some afternoon shade can protect it from intense heat. However, too much shade may cause the plant to become leggy, with fewer leaves and a more open growth habit.
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Dense Shade: Carissa Holly does not thrive in dense shade. In very low light conditions, the plant may struggle, leading to poor growth and reduced vigor.
In summary, while Carissa Holly is somewhat adaptable, it will perform best with plenty of sunlight. If possible, choose a location that offers full sun or at least partial shade for optimal growth and appearance.
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How far should we space a one gallon pot.
When planting one-gallon pots of Carissa Holly, they should be spaced about 2 to 3 feet apart. This spacing allows the plants to grow and fill in without overcrowding. Carissa Holly typically reaches a mature width of 3 to 4 feet, so proper spacing ensures healthy growth and allows for air circulation, reducing the risk of disease. For a dense hedge, you can plant them closer to 2 feet apart, but for more natural, individual growth, 3 feet apart is recommended.
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Does it need much maintenance and how often do you have to water How fast growing
Carissa Holly is a low-maintenance shrub, making it a great choice for easy landscaping. It doesn't require much pruning and is known for its compact, tidy shape. In terms of watering, Carissa Holly prefers well-drained soil and needs watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. Once established, it's drought-tolerant and doesn't need frequent watering. Carissa Holly is a slow-growing plant, so it won’t need constant upkeep, but its manageable growth makes it ideal for hedges or borders. For healthy growth, provide full to partial sun. This hardy shrub is both low-maintenance and versatile.
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Does it grow well in shade
Yes, Carissa holly (Ilex cornuta 'Carissa') can tolerate partial shade, but it prefers full sun for the best growth and berry production. In shadier conditions, it may grow more slowly and develop a more open form, but it can still thrive. For optimal health and dense foliage, aim for at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
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Is this plant disease resistant. Our home gets full sun in summer, shade in the pm. After 25 years we are tired of replacing diseased boxwoods. Zone 8.
Yes, Carissa Holly is generally disease resistant, making it a great alternative to boxwoods. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is suitable for your Zone 8 climate. Its hardiness and low maintenance needs make it an ideal choice for replacing boxwoods, as it’s less prone to common diseases that affect other hedges. Plus, it has attractive, glossy green leaves and a compact growth habit, perfect for a neat, low-maintenance hedge.
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Does this do well in south west Florida Jane Brooks
Yes, Carissa Holly (Ilex cornuta 'Carissa') can do well in Southwest Florida. It thrives in USDA Zones 7-9, and Southwest Florida falls within these zones. This hardy, drought-tolerant shrub prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for the warm, humid climate of Southwest Florida. Its compact size and low-maintenance nature also make it an excellent choice for landscaping in the region. Just ensure it's planted in an area that avoids waterlogging, as it prefers slightly dry conditions.
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Is it good for Denver?
A Carissa Holly (Ilex cornuta 'Carissa') is not ideal for Denver’s climate. Carissa Holly thrives in USDA Zones 7 to 9, while Denver is in Zone 5. The colder winters in Denver, with freezing temperatures, are likely too harsh for this plant to survive without protection. If you're looking for evergreens in Denver, it's better to choose cold-hardy varieties suited for Zone 5.
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Does Carissa Holly grow in dark area in Houston without getting disease and does it tolerate drought
Carissa Holly is fairly tolerant of low-light areas but generally performs better with at least partial sun. In a dark area, it may grow more slowly and can become leggy, which can reduce its resistance to diseases over time. As for drought tolerance, Carissa Holly is relatively resilient once established and can handle dry conditions, but regular watering during hot, extended dry spells is recommended, especially in Houston’s climate. Regular monitoring will help maintain its health in low-light and drier conditions.
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How tall is this plant can grow naturally? Can this plant in Massachusetts? Do they died during the winter? When will be a good time to plant? Thank you!
Carissa Holly (Ilex cornuta 'Carissa') typically reaches a mature height of about 3-4 feet tall and can spread up to 4-6 feet wide, making it an excellent compact shrub for hedges and borders.
Carissa Holly is best suited for USDA Zones 7-9 and may struggle in Massachusetts' colder climate, as it is not very cold-hardy and could suffer damage or die in freezing temperatures typical of Zone 6 and below.
In regions outside its hardiness range (Zones 7-9), Carissa Holly is unlikely to survive winter temperatures below 0°F. In Massachusetts, which typically experiences much colder winters, Carissa Holly would need substantial winter protection or may not survive outdoors.
The best time to plant Carissa Holly is in early spring or fall when temperatures are moderate, which allows the roots to establish before summer heat or winter cold.
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Does it grow in souther west florida
Yes, Carissa holly (Ilex cornuta 'Carissa') is well-suited to southwest Florida. It tolerates both heat and humidity, and it grows best in full sun to partial shade. This evergreen shrub is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established.
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How far apart should I plant them
Plant Carissa hollies 3 to 4 feet apart to create a dense, uniform hedge. This spacing allows each plant enough room to spread naturally while maintaining a full, structured appearance over time.