Holly Types that Grow Well in Fort Collins, Colorado
- Bath Landscape
- 3d
- 4 min read
Holly shrubs bring year-round interest, elegant structure, and stunning pops of color, especially in winter, when bright berries stand out against snowy backdrops. While many holly species prefer warmer, more humid climates, several hardy varieties perform beautifully in Northern Colorado when they’re planted thoughtfully and given the right care. Because Fort Collins sits in USDA Hardiness Zones 5a–5b, with nearby areas ranging from 4b to 6a, it’s especially important to choose holly types that can tolerate colder conditions and fluctuating temperatures.
If you’re looking for shrubs that can handle our region’s chilly winters and occasional dry spells, several holly varieties rise to the challenge. Below, we explore the best cultivars for Northern Colorado and share expert tips on how to grow holly successfully in our unique climate.
Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
Winterberry holly is one of the most reliable choices for Northern Colorado because it’s naturally cold-hardy and thrives in cooler climates. Unlike many hollies, winterberry is deciduous, which means it drops its leaves in fall, but the bright red berries that remain are incredibly showy and long-lasting.
Known for its abundant berry production, ‘Winter Red’ offers clusters of vivid, glossy berries that persist well into winter. This shrub grows upright and can reach 6–8 feet tall, making it a great focal point for winter interest.
A compact cultivar perfect for smaller garden spaces, ‘Red Sprite’ produces larger-than-average berries on a plant that stays around 3–5 feet tall. Its size makes it a great option for foundation plantings or mixed shrub borders.
As the name suggests, ‘Berry Heavy’ is all about impressive berry displays. This cultivar sets an especially dense crop of berries, even in challenging growing conditions, and brings fantastic color to winter landscapes in Fort Collins.
Winterberry does require both male and female plants for berry production: more on that in the “How to Grow Holly with Berries” section.
Meserve Hollies (Ilex × meservaea)
Also known as “Blue Hollies,” Meserve hollies are another reliable group for Colorado landscapes. They’re evergreen, offering glossy blue-green leaves year-round, and they’re bred specifically for cold hardiness. These hybrids perform well in Fort Collins when planted with the right exposure and protection.
‘Blue Prince’ & ‘Blue Princess’ are a classic pairing that is ideal for landscapes where winter berries are a must. ‘Blue Prince’ serves as the pollinator, while ‘Blue Princess’ produces stunning red berries in fall and winter. Together, they create a lush, elegant evergreen presence and a brilliant seasonal display.
‘Blue Girl’ is a hardy female cultivar with broad, glossy foliage. It is known for its adaptability and toughness. When paired with a male pollinator such as ‘Blue Boy’ or ‘China Boy’, it produces plentiful bright berries.
‘China Boy’ is a male cultivar that is extremely cold-hardy and makes an excellent pollinator for several Meserve varieties. It features dense, compact growth and deep green-blue foliage that stands up well to winter winds.
Meserve hollies tend to prefer slightly sheltered locations, so planting them near windbreaks, fencing, or structures can improve their long-term success in Northern Colorado.
How to Grow Holly with Berries
Holly shrubs are easier to grow than many gardeners realize, especially once you understand a few key conditions that help them thrive in northern Colorado. Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing and caring for holly types in your landscape.
Soil pH
Most hollies prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0–6.5). In Fort Collins, soils often lean alkaline, so amending with compost, peat moss, or soil acidifiers can help create the right environment. Planting in raised beds can also help maintain proper soil conditions.
Male & Female Plants
To produce berries, holly shrubs need both a male and a female plant of compatible varieties. Winterberry hollies are especially productive, and typically one male plant can pollinate six to eight females. Meserve hollies also require a matching pair, and it’s important to choose cultivars that bloom at the same time to ensure successful pollination. As long as male and female plants are within about 30–50 feet of each other, wind and pollinators can usually do the rest
Microclimates
Hollies thrive in microclimates that offer protection from harsh winds and temperature swings. South- or east-facing walls, sheltered garden beds, or areas with partial shade in the afternoon help reduce plant stress.
Watering
Colorado’s dry climate means hollies need steady, reliable moisture, especially while they’re becoming established. Deep watering once or twice a week during the first year helps develop strong roots, and adding mulch around the base of the plant will conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Because hollies are not drought-tolerant, try to avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Wind Protection
Cold, drying winds are one of the biggest challenges for hollies in Northern Colorado. Plant them where they’re shielded from strong winter gusts: near fences, evergreen screens, or buildings. Winterberry hollies tolerate wind better than evergreen hollies, but all benefit from protection.
Expert Landscaping from Bath Landscape & Irrigation
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant winter berries of winterberry holly or the year-round elegance of Meserve hollies, choosing the right holly types for your Fort Collins landscape can make your outdoor spaces come alive, even in the coldest months. At Bath Landscape & Irrigation, our team can help you select cultivars, develop thoughtful planting designs for both residential and commercial properties, and create microclimates that ensure your holly shrubs thrive.
If you’re ready to add stunning, colorful holly to your landscape, contact Bath Landscape & Irrigation today. Our experts are here to help you bring beauty, structure, and reliable winter color to your Northern Colorado property.
