Description
Ilex x koehneana, commonly known as Koehne Holly, is a striking evergreen shrub renowned for its dense, glossy green foliage with spiny, holly-like leaves that provide excellent year-round interest and serve as a natural privacy screen or windbreak. This hybrid holly is a cross between Ilex aquifolium (English holly) and Ilex latifolia (lusterleaf holly), originating from early 20th-century plant breeding efforts aimed at combining the best traits of each parent species, resulting in improved hardiness and ornamental appeal. Koehne Holly typically grows to a medium size, making it suitable for foundation plantings, hedges, or specimen use, and it produces red berries on female plants that attract birds and enhance winter landscape color. Its adaptability to a range of soil types and tolerance for urban conditions make it a reliable choice for both residential and commercial landscapes. Recognized for its robust growth and classic holly appearance, Koehne Holly has been favored by landscapers and gardeners for decades as a versatile and attractive evergreen.