Chilean Holly Plant Care

Chilean Holly (Desfontainia spinosa) belongs to the Columelliaceae family within the Desfontainia genus. Chilean Holly is also known as Desfontainea.

Chilean Holly displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Chilean Holly produces tubular red flowers with yellow tips.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chilean Holly every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chilean Holly thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Chilean Holly in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Desfontainia spinosa tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Chilean Holly prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining acidic soil with high organic content, such as a mix of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Chilean Holly to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chilean Holly every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 shade and well-draining acidic soil with high organic content, such as a mix of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chilean Holly is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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

Chilean Holly can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Chilean 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 tree in one year.

Chilean 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.

Chilean Holly can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Chilean 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.

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