Emerald Colonnade® Holly

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Size
Regular price $168.00 Sale price$188.00you save $20.00

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Please contact us at sales@simplytrees.com

1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 7 or 10 or 15 gallon

Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

Emerald Colonnade Holly is a narrow, evergreen shrub known for its dense, dark green foliage and columnar growth habit. Its upright form and attractive leaves make it an excellent choice for creating formal hedges, privacy screens, or as an architectural accent in gardens.

  • Botanical name: Ilex x 'RutHol1'
  • Evergreen
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sun to partial shade

WATER:
Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Approximately every 1-2 weeks. Watering frequency may vary based on climate and season

IDEAL CLIMATE:
Hardy in USDA Zones 6-9; thrives in temperate to subtropical climates with well-draining soil

Note: Emerald Colonnade Holly is generally low-maintenance but may benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its narrow shape and promote dense growth.

Our Jumbo Emerald Colonnade Holly are grown in 10-gallon containers and are more mature than regular sizes, with a wider overall profile, fuller foliage, a larger rootball, and greater overall maturity. Compared to standard options, Jumbo trees feel more established at planting time and provide a more substantial presence right away.

Regular sizes are grown in 3 or 5-gallon containers. These trees are healthy and well-rooted but are narrower and less mature than Jumbo sizes and will continue to develop after planting.

The difference between regular and Jumbo sizes is in width, fullness, rootball size, and overall maturity. Jumbo Emerald Colonnade Holly are a great choice if you want a fuller look sooner while maintaining the naturally upright growth habit of this variety.

Shipping:
Jumbo Emerald Colonnade Holly are shipped burlapped, with the rootball carefully wrapped and secured with a zip tie to protect the roots and keep the tree stable during transit.

Regular sizes are shipped in their nursery pots, with the rootball wrapped in a protective plastic liner and secured with a zip tie to keep soil contained, the tree stable, and the box clean during shipping.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Emerald Colonnade® Holly, scientifically known as Ilex x 'RutHol1', is a stunning evergreen shrub that adds year-round visual interest to your garden. Known for its vibrant green leaves and its ability to form natural privacy screens, this holly variety is a must-have for those looking to add a touch of timeless elegance to their outdoor space. With low-maintenance requirements and adaptability to various growing conditions, the Emerald Colonnade® Holly is an ideal choice for gardeners at all levels of experience.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate; reaches a mature height of 10-12 feet and width of 4-8 feet in natural form.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Emerald Colonnade® Holly is relatively low-maintenance when it comes to its watering and sunlight needs. It thrives in full sun and requires watering once a week, although more frequent hydration may be necessary during hot, dry periods. Its moderate water and sunlight requirements make it a hassle-free addition to any garden.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Prune Emerald Colonnade® Holly in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.

FERTILIZING:
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Avoid fertilizing in late fall, as new growth may not survive winter.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Although hardy, mulch around the base before the first frost to protect roots and retain soil moisture during winter.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

For best results, plant Emerald Colonnade® Holly in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Fill the hole with soil and firm it around the root ball. Water thoroughly to settle the soil. Add a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Make sure the mulch doesn’t touch the trunk to avoid rot. With these steps, your Emerald Colonnade® Holly should be well on its way to becoming a garden centerpiece.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 7-9

The Emerald Colonnade® Holly thrives in USDA zones 7-9, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of climates. In colder zones, it can endure frost, while in warmer areas, it's tolerant of heat. Its adaptability to various soil types further broadens its suitability for different regions, ensuring that you can enjoy its lush, year-round foliage almost anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Emerald Colonnade Holly typically grows 10–12 feet tall and about 4–8 feet wide. It has a naturally narrow, columnar shape, making it ideal for tight spaces, privacy screens, or vertical accents.

Emerald Colonnade Holly is a moderate grower, typically adding about 6 to 12 inches per year under ideal conditions.

Plant Emerald Colonnade Holly in a location that receives full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. It performs best with at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily and protection from harsh, drying winds.

For a privacy screen or hedge, plant Emerald Colonnade Holly about 4–5 feet apart to allow them to grow together into a dense, uniform screen. For more space between plants, 6–8 feet apart works well.

Emerald Colonnade Holly thrives in USDA Zones 6–9. It does best in moderate climates with well-draining soil and can tolerate both heat and humidity once established.

Prune Emerald Colonnade Holly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light trimming throughout the growing season can help maintain its narrow shape. Remove any dead or damaged branches and avoid heavy pruning, as it naturally maintains a tidy, upright form.

No. The Emerald Colonnade Holly is exclusively a male holly, which means it does not produce berries. Male hollies provide pollen that helps nearby female holly varieties produce berries, but they will not develop berries themselves.

Emerald Colonnade Holly is cold hardy down to about -10°F once established. It can handle typical winter conditions within its growing zones but may benefit from protection during extreme cold snaps, especially when newly planted.

Browning leaves are most commonly caused by environmental stress, such as inconsistent watering, poor drainage, winter burn, or transplant shock. It can also happen if the plant was installed too deep. Be careful not to underplant your holly—always keep the top of the root ball slightly above or level with the surrounding soil to prevent suffocation and moisture issues.

Plant Emerald Colonnade Holly at least 2–3 feet away from a house or structure. This allows room for mature growth, proper air circulation, and easy maintenance while preventing crowding against walls or foundations. When planting, be careful not to underplant—position the root ball at or slightly above soil level to ensure proper drainage and healthy root development.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.