Holly, Nordic #3
Nordic Holly
Ilex opaca 'Nordica'
Height: Typically 3–4 feet tall in Michigan’s cooler climate
Spread: Approximately 3–4 feet wide
Spacing: Plant 3–4 feet apart for a compact, well-defined landscape display
Growth Rate: Slow
Description
Nordic Holly infuses your landscape with a sophisticated, modern flair. Its glossy, dark green leaves form a dense, rounded shrub perfectly scaled for Michigan’s cooler conditions. In spring, small white flowers appear, setting the stage for ornamental red berries that emerge in fall and persist through winter, adding a striking splash of color when it matters most. Although the berries are tart and intended solely for visual interest, they provide a pleasing textural contrast that enhances the overall appeal of your outdoor space. Ideal for borders, hedges, or as a focal point, this evergreen holly thrives in full sun to partial sun (at least 5 hours of direct light daily) and prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils enriched with organic matter. Highly deer resistant and low-maintenance, Nordic Holly is a refined choice for year‐round landscape impact.
General Care
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial sun (minimum 5 hours of direct light daily)
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter
- Watering: Water regularly during the growing season, adjusting for Michigan’s cooler climate
- Mulching: Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and stabilize soil temperature
- Pruning: Trim only dead or unruly branches in early spring to maintain its elegant form
- Pollination: As a dioecious plant, a male pollinator should be planted nearby (one male for every 3–5 females) to ensure berry production
Transform your landscape with the refined elegance of Nordic Holly—a compact, evergreen showstopper that offers enduring structure and striking winter interest.
