← Plant Guides

How to Grow Hawaiian Holly

Wikimedia Commons

Hawaiian Holly

Ilex anomala

shrub

Hawaiian Holly is an evergreen shrub native to Hawaii with glossy, dark green leaves and bright red berries that persist through winter. It's a relatively compact, ornamental plant that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. This species is valued for its year-round foliage and striking berry display.

When should you plant Hawaiian Holly in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Hawaiian Holly timeline →

Example Hawaiian Holly timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Hawaiian Holly

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Hawaiian Holly

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hawaiian Holly dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Partial shade to full sun, 4-6 hours of sunlight daily; afternoon shade in hottest climates
💧
Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. Drought-tolerant once established.
📏
Spacing: 36 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 2-3 years to mature size
🌱
Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; slightly mound soil for better drainage

Soil

Type: Well-draining volcanic or loamy soil with organic matter
pH: 5.5-7.0
Amendments:
Compost Peat moss Mulch

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 10-11; can survive zone 9b with protection

10a 10b 11a 11b

Sign up free to see if Hawaiian Holly grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.

Get my Hawaiian Holly timeline →

Growth Stages

1

Establishment

3-6 months

Young plant with small leaves, fresh green growth, minimal branching

Water regularly to keep soil moist. Apply mulch around base. Protect from extreme sun and wind.

2

Vegetative Growth

6-18 months

Plant develops fuller canopy with glossy dark green leaves; branching increases

Water moderately. Light pruning to shape plant. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season.

3

Flowering

2-3 months (spring to early summer)

Small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers appear on branch tips and leaf axils

Maintain consistent moisture. Avoid heavy fertilizing as excess nitrogen reduces flowering. Note that only female plants produce berries.

4

Fruiting

6-9 months (summer through winter)

Bright red, glossy berries develop on female plants; berries persist for months

Ensure at least one male plant nearby for pollination. Continue moderate watering. Do not heavily prune during fruiting season.

5

Dormancy

2-3 months (winter)

Growth slows in cooler months; berries remain on plant, providing winter color

Reduce watering slightly. Minimal fertilizing needed. Prune only to remove dead wood or shape plant.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

ʻōhiʻa lehua Native ferns Plumeria Ti plant Heliconias

Avoid planting near:

Allelopathic plants that compete for water Very aggressive spreading vines

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to remove mites; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is severe

  • Remove by hand; treat with horticultural oil spray during dormant season

  • Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap

  • Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering

Uses

🏠

Holiday decorations and floral arrangements

Household

The bright red berries and glossy evergreen foliage make Hawaiian Holly branches ideal for holiday bouquets and winter decorations. The berries persist for months, providing long-lasting color. [source]

🦋

Food source for birds

Wildlife

The red berries attract native Hawaiian birds and other wildlife, making it valuable for supporting local ecosystems. It serves as an important winter food source. [source]

🎨

Landscape and garden design

Craft

Hawaiian Holly works well as a hedge, screen, or specimen plant in tropical and subtropical gardens. Its compact size and ornamental appeal make it suitable for containers or small spaces. [source]

🍳

Traditional Hawaiian uses

Culinary

While not commonly consumed, Hawaiian Holly has cultural significance in traditional Hawaiian practices and may have been used by natives for various purposes. [source]

Harvest Tips

Hawaiian Holly is ornamental rather than harvested for food. Berries can be collected for floral arrangements when fully red and ripe (late fall through winter). Cut berry-laden branches carefully to preserve plant shape.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Hawaiian Holly is one of the few native holly species found in Hawaii, making it botanically significant to the islands.
  • 🌱 Only female plants produce the showy red berries; male plants are needed nearby for pollination and berry production.
  • 🌱 The glossy leaves of Hawaiian Holly are naturally resistant to many pests, making it a relatively low-maintenance ornamental shrub in appropriate climates.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Pollination
Shop Hawaiian Holly plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Hawaiian Holly planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Hawaiian Holly seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Hawaiian Holly timeline →