Native Holly Plant Care

Native Holly (Cuttsia viburnea) belongs to the Rousseaceae family within the Cuttsia genus. Native Holly is native to eastern Australia. Native Holly is also known as Wild Holly.

Native Holly displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Native Holly produces small white fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Native Holly every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Native Holly thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Cuttsia viburnea tolerates temperatures of 55–75°F. Native Holly prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Native Holly to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Native Holly every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Native Holly is suited to USDA Zone 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Native Holly can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Native Holly while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Native Holly is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Native Holly can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering.

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Native Holly is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Native Holly grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12b. Native Holly is native to eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Native Holly as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.