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variegated holly tree

Looking to add striking evergreen colour and unique foliage to your garden? The variegated holly tree is a standout choice for NZ gardeners who want year-round interest and structure. With its glossy, green leaves edged in creamy yellow or white, this holly variety offers fantastic contrast, making it an ideal centrepiece, hedge, or specimen plant. Whether you’re planning a formal landscape or a lush, textural border, the variegated holly tree brings beauty and versatility to any outdoor space.

Metrosideros kermadecensis 'variegata' red flowers and variegated foliage.

Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa)

Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Variegata' is a striking NZ native shrub or small tree admired for its glossy green leaves edged with creamy variegation. In summer, it produces vibrant red flowers that attract native birds and add spectacular colour to the garden. Hardy and evergreen, this variety performs well in a wide range of conditions, including coastal sites. Its unique foliage and seasonal blooms make it a standout choice for NZ gardens.

From $28.28

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
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 admired for its small glossy dark green leaves and naturally dense growth habit. Often used as an alternative to buxus, this hardy plant provides year round structure and neat formality in New Zealand gardens. Its fine textured foliage and excellent response to clipping make it ideal for hedging, topiary, borders, and formal garden designs. Ilex crenata 'Convexa' thrives in a wide range of conditions and offers reliable evergreen beauty with low maintenance appeal throughout the year.

From $26.93

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
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Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa)

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Why Choose the Variegated Holly Tree for Your Garden?

The variegated holly tree delivers a dramatic focal point thanks to its brightly edged leaves and dense, upright form. It copes well with a range of soil types and handles coastal New Zealand conditions, including wind and occasional salt spray. In addition to its visual appeal, this holly tree can attract native birds during the winter when its red berries adorn the branches. Its prickly foliage also makes it an excellent security hedge, deterring unwanted visitors while providing a perfect haven for garden wildlife.

Growing Tips for Variegated Holly in New Zealand

To ensure your variegated holly tree thrives, plant it in well-drained soil with full sun or part shade exposure. Hollies generally require minimal maintenance after establishment. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain the shape and encourage new variegated growth. Mulching around the base aids moisture retention and helps suppress weeds. With these straightforward care tips, your variegated holly will flourish, rewarding you with colourful foliage in every season.

Creative Landscape Uses

The versatility of the variegated holly tree makes it popular for hedging, screening, or as a striking standalone feature. For layered planting schemes, combine your holly with finer-leaved evergreens like Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia or the compact Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly). You might also create a vibrant texture contrast with ornamental grasses such as Acorus Albo Variegata (Variegated Sweet Flag). For a unique border, consider pairing with bamboo relatives like Pleioblastus viridistriatus (Pleioblastus).

Variegated Holly Tree vs. Other Hollies

If you’re comparing the variegated holly tree with other holly types, consider their distinct features. For instance, Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia offers slimmer foliage, while Ilex crenata is prized for its dense, box-like appearance and suitability for topiary. The creamy-edged leaves of the variegated holly create a brighter garden presence than solid-green varieties, offering a modern twist on a traditional favourite.

Shop Variegated Holly Trees and Companion Plants

Explore our selection of variegated holly trees and complementary shrubs to design your ideal landscape. With expert guidance and high-quality plants delivered NZ-wide, it’s easy to create a colourful, low-maintenance garden that stands out in every season. Mix and match your variegated holly with favourites like Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly) or Acorus Albo Variegata (Variegated Sweet Flag) for a garden that shines all year round.

Contact us

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
You know Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily) and Griselinia 'Broadway Mint', but have you met Erigeron glaucus 'Sea Breeze', Hibiscus 'El Capitoilo', and Acer 'Emerald Lace'? These beauties are worth a closer look.
–The Plant Company

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