Native Holly Plant Care

Native Holly (Olearia ilicifolia) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Olearia genus. Native Holly is native to lowland and sub-alpine forests from sea level to 1,200 metres (3,900 ft). Native Holly is also known as Holly-leaved Daisy Bush, Prickly Daisy Bush, Aster ilicifolius.

Native Holly displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Native Holly produces small daisy-like flowers in white, pink, or purple clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 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 full sun to partial shade.

Olearia ilicifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Native Holly prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Native Holly is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mountain daisy bush plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Native Holly is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Native Holly is native to lowland and sub-alpine forests from sea level to 1,200 metres (3,900 ft). In cooler regions, grow Native Holly as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.