How to Grow Hollywood
Wikimedia Commons
Hollywood
Ilex aquifolium 'Hodginii'
shrubHollywood is a compact, evergreen holly cultivar prized for its dense foliage and abundant bright red berries. It's a male-sterile variety that produces ornamental berries without the pollen, making it excellent for landscaping in urban and suburban settings.
When should you plant Hollywood 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.
Example Hollywood timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Hollywood
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Hollywood
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hollywood dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5b-9a, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Get my Hollywood timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 6-12 monthsYoung shrub with initial leaf growth and root development; sparse branching
Water regularly to establish deep roots. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base, keeping it away from stem. Prune lightly to encourage branching.
Vegetative Growth
Year 2-4Shrub develops denser foliage and branch structure; small greenish flowers appear in spring
Continue consistent watering. Prune in late winter to shape and encourage branching. Feed with balanced evergreen fertilizer in early spring.
Flowering
3-4 weeks in spring (April-May)Small white to pale pink flowers bloom in clusters along branches in spring
Avoid heavy pruning during flowering season. Ensure adequate moisture for flower development. Flowers may be inconspicuous but are important for berry set.
Berry Development
6-8 months (summer through winter)Bright red, glossy berries develop from fertilized flowers and persist through fall and winter
As a male sterile variety, Hollywood requires cross-pollination from another compatible male holly. Ensure nearby pollinator plants are present. Maintain adequate moisture during summer.
Winter Dormancy
December-FebruaryShrub enters dormancy; foliage remains evergreen and vibrant, berries persist as winter ornament
Reduce watering but don't let soil dry completely. Protect from harsh winter winds with burlap if necessary in zone 5. Remove any heavy snow to prevent branch breakage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves; apply horticultural oil in early spring before eggs hatch; parasitic wasps provide natural control
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Prune heavily infested branches; spray with dormant oil in late winter or insecticidal soap in summer
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Improve air circulation; prune infected leaves; apply fungicide if severe; avoid overhead watering
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Spray with water to dislodge; increase humidity; use miticide or horticultural oil if severe
Uses
Holiday Decorations
HouseholdThe vibrant red berries and glossy evergreen foliage make Hollywood holly ideal for winter holiday arrangements, wreaths, and centerpieces. Branches remain attractive indoors for several weeks when cut. [source]
Winter Food Source
WildlifeHolly berries provide crucial nutrition for birds and small wildlife during winter months when other food sources are scarce. The dense foliage also offers shelter and nesting sites. [source]
Landscape Screening
HouseholdThe dense, compact growth habit makes Hollywood holly excellent for creating privacy screens, hedges, and windbreaks while maintaining year-round ornamental appeal. [source]
Foundation Planting
HouseholdIdeal for residential landscaping as a foundation shrub or specimen plant, providing structure, color, and winter interest to gardens with minimal maintenance needs. [source]
Harvest Tips
Hollywood is grown as an ornamental shrub for its foliage and berries rather than for harvest. Berries persist on the plant through winter for seasonal decoration. Cut branches for holiday arrangements in late fall or early winter when berries are fully colored. Use sharp pruners and cut at leaf nodes to encourage branching.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Hollywood holly is a male-sterile cultivar ('Hodginii'), meaning it produces abundant berries without producing pollen—making it an excellent choice for people with pollen allergies while still providing winter color.
- 🌱 Holly berries are toxic to humans if ingested in large quantities but are perfectly safe for birds and wildlife, who have adapted digestive systems to process them.
- 🌱 The name 'Hollywood' reflects the shrub's popularity in California landscapes, where it thrives in the Mediterranean climate and is a staple of upscale residential gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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