Ilex x ‘Conaf’

One of the more exciting introductions into the world of hollies is the 'Oakleaf' holly.  This evergreen beauty is a chance seedling from another well-known holly called 'Mary Nell'.  The 'Oakleaf' cultivar is one of five different hollies introduced as the "red hollies' in the mid-1990s. 'Oakleaf' holly gets its name from the shape of the plant's leaf, whose shape resembles that of our native Scarlet Oak tree.  The evergreen foliage is an attractive medium green with a lighter colored leaf edge.  The overall appearance of the plant is handsome.

This holly cultivar will reach a height of 14 feet, with some reports up to 20 feet.  The 'Oakleaf' holly's eight-foot spread makes it ideal for evergreen hedges or planting in mass for screening purposes.  This showstopper is attractive enough to set out into your garden as a specimen plant.  Grow in full sun or in very light shade.

Wildlife Value:  Fruits are attractive to birds. Flowers attract bees.  Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi. This plant is resistant to damage by deer.