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holly tree nz

If you’re searching for “holly tree NZ,” you’re likely looking to add a touch of timeless beauty to your garden. Holly trees and shrubs are renowned for their glossy green foliage and bright berries, bringing year-round structure and festive colour to gardens across New Zealand. Whether you’re after traditional holly for hedging, ornamental use, or simply to enjoy their vibrant berries and attractive leaves, there’s a perfect holly for every Kiwi garden. Explore the range of holly tree NZ options and discover the best varieties to suit your space, climate, and gardening goals.

A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.

Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly)

5 from 1 customers

Ilex crenata ‘Convexa’ is a compact, evergreen shrub with dense, glossy green foliage and a naturally rounded form. The small, convex leaves give it a fine texture, making it an excellent choice for low hedging, topiary, and formal borders. It grows to around 1 m tall and 1.2 m wide with a slow to moderate growth rate. This hardy plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and is easy to maintain in NZ gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock, White
Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) plants grown as a topiary.

Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly)

Ilex crenata, commonly known as Japanese Holly, is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its small, glossy green leaves that resemble boxwood. Ideal for low hedges, topiary, and formal borders, it provides year-round structure and greenery. Japanese Holly thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. It responds well to clipping and shaping, making it an excellent choice for tidy, structured gardens throughout New Zealand. Low maintenance and hardy once established.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Patios, Pool areas, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) plants grown as a topiary.

Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly)

Ilex crenata, commonly known as Japanese Holly, is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its small, glossy green leaves that resemble boxwood. Ideal...

From$26.93
ilex-aquifolium-angustifolia-male-

Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia

This male form of Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia, commonly known as the Narrow Leaf English Holly, is grown for its narrow and spiny, glossy, dark...

osmanthus-heterophyllus-

Osmanthus heterophyllus

Osmanthus heterophyllus, commonly known as False Holly, is an evergreen shrub grown for its attractive foliage and pretty flowers. It produces spiny...

From$32.33
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.

Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$358.98
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) tree with lush foliage and white flowers growing in a coastal location.

Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

Myoporum laetum, commonly known as Ngaio, is a NZ native tree grown for its lush foliage and showy flowers. It features large, fleshy, green leaves...

From$28.28
Dysoxylum spectabile tree.

Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany)

Dysoxylum spectabile, commonly known as Kohekohe, is a majestic NZ native tree admired for its glossy dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant...

From$28.28
Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.

Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)

Nestegis montana is a hardy and attractive native tree of New Zealand, known for its upright growth habit and glossy green foliage. This evergreen...

35-litre-planter-bags-4

35L Planter Bags (Growing Bags)

These 35L planter bags have two handles and hold 35 litres of growing media. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling and...

From$7.00
crassula-ovata-

Crassula ovata (Money Tree)

Crassula ovata is a versatile plant ideal for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and easy care.

From$28.28
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$26.93
Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark) branch with masses of white flowers and green foliage.

Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark)

Hoheria sextylosa, commonly known as Lacebark or the Lace Bark Tree, is a quick growing, NZ native tree. The bark has a lace like appearance, hence...

From$18.83

Laurelia novae-zelandiae

Laurelia novae-zelandiae, commonly known as Pukatea, is a magnificent NZ native tree admired for its glossy green leaves, fluted trunk, and...

From$24.23
Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$343.89
sorbus-scarlet-king-

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

emguard-biodegradable-plant-shelter-

Tree Guards (Tree Guards)

Our tree guards and plant shelters are bio-degradable products that are perfect for using in riparian areas and other exposed positions. They are...

From$4.20
acer-princeton-gold-

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$391.14
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.

Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$457.29
A large Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea) tree.

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea)

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, commonly known as Kahikatea or White Pine, is a slow-growing, NZ native tree capable of reaching 50 m tall. The foliage on...

From$205.02
A large Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' trees in an avenue with masses of red flowers.

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess'

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' is a stunning cultivar of the NZ Christmas tree (Pohutukawa) and is renowned for its brilliant crimson-red flowers and...

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$432.79
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$343.89
Carex maorica growing in water.

Carex maorica (NZ Sedge)

Carex maorica is a hardy New Zealand native sedge that forms attractive clumps of arching, green foliage. Found naturally in wetlands and damp areas...

From$15.53
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.

Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$97.13
sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
cassia-corymbosa-john-ball-1

Cassia John Ball (Buttercup Tree)

Cassia John Ball, commonly known as the Buttercup Tree or Cassia Plant, is a large and colourful, deciduous shrub. It becomes enshrined by masses of...

From$24.23
Fuchsia arborescens tree with pink flowers and lush green foliage.

Fuchsia arborescens (Tree Fuchsia)

Fuchsia arborescens is an evergreen shrub favoured for its pretty flowers, which are produced almost year-round. Large and showy clusters of...

From$22.28
magnolia-deryk-2

Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$343.89
Laurus nobilis foliage and flowers.

Laurus nobilis

Laurus nobilis is a much-loved shrub in NZ gardens. It is most commonly grown as a specimen, used as a hedge (both trimmed and untrimmed), added to a...

From$33.68
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).

Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Beilschmiedia, Carex, Cassia, Cedrela, Crassula, Dacrycarpus, Dacrydium, Dysoxylum, Fuchsia, Hoheria, Ilex, Laurelia, Laurus, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Metrosideros, Myoporum, Nestegis, Osmanthus, Phyllocladus, Sequoiadendron Sophora and Sorbus, or related Categories - Planter Bags, Plant Guards, Grasses, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search holly tree nz

Holly Trees in New Zealand Gardens

Holly trees thrive in New Zealand’s temperate climate and adapt well to many garden styles, from formal hedges to casual woodland planting. The classic European holly, Ilex aquifolium, is valued for its glossy, spiny leaves and bright red berries, perfect for traditional borders and driveway plantings. For those looking for narrower, upright forms, Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia is a refined choice, showcasing slender leaves and a compact habit ideal for hedging or specimen planting.

Japanese holly varieties are also popular in New Zealand, offering dense foliage and subtle, small-leaved texture. Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) is prized for its tolerance of clipping and neat appearance, making it a staple for topiary and low borders. Discover the versatile Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly) for its rounded, deep green leaves and reliable performance in Kiwi gardens. For larger spaces, Ilex Largo delivers impressive size and resilience, great for privacy screens and wind-breaking barriers.

Holly Tree NZ Uses & Benefits

Holly trees serve many uses across New Zealand landscapes. Their dense foliage makes them outstanding for privacy hedges, windbreaks, and screening undesirable views. The festive berries add vibrant winter colour, attracting birds and lending seasonal charm. Holly’s structural form and evergreen nature mean they provide year-round interest, framing pathways and garden beds beautifully.

Some gardeners love holly for topiary, thanks to varieties like Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) and Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly)—both superb for shaping into quirky or formal designs. Others choose holly to craft living fences where resilience and durability are a priority. For those seeking something a bit different, Mahonia lomariifolia (Chinese Holly) offers a holly-like appearance, with bold foliage and dramatic flowers, widening the palette for garden designers.

Choosing Your Holly Tree NZ

When selecting a holly tree in NZ, consider your garden’s microclimate and design needs. Traditional Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia suits formal and classic landscapes, while the robust Ilex Largo can tackle coastal sites and windy spots. Japanese holly like Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) and Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly) excel in modern gardens, shade-tolerant and perfect for low maintenance hedges.

If you’re seeking a bold alternative, Mahonia lomariifolia (Chinese Holly) adds unique flair with dramatic foliage and yellow blooms. Browse our full range of hollies and related shrubs to find the right fit for your New Zealand garden, ensuring lasting beauty and practicality.

Explore Holly Varieties for NZ Gardens

Ready to enhance your landscape with a holly tree NZ? Discover more about each species in our collection: - Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly) - Ilex Largo - Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) - Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia - Mahonia lomariifolia (Chinese Holly)

Find your ideal holly tree in NZ and bring lasting structure, colour, and wildlife appeal to your garden.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

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