A slim evergreen sentinel with glossy, spiny leaves and red berries that keep the winter garden looking alive
FEATURES:
- Naturally narrow, upright conical form that stays tidy and architectural in tight spaces
- Glossy, spiny, dark green foliage delivers year-round structure and a classic holly look
- Female selection that can set showy red berries in fall and hold them into winter when a compatible male pollinator is nearby
- Strong, herringbone branching habit creates a full, layered silhouette instead of a sparse “string bean” look
- Evergreen for winter color, with seasonal interest peaking as berries ripen red in fall and persist into colder months
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because of the size of the tree – does not fit in a box
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
Plant Dragon Slayer where it can be the exclamation point, then calm the base with a generous mulch ring and a low, dark-green “collar” like boxwood or inkberry, and finish with something feathery nearby such as ornamental grasses or ferns so the holly’s strong lines look even sharper; if you want berries, tuck a compatible male holly within pollinating distance and keep the area open enough for good airflow so the foliage stays clean and glossy.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-7
- Mature Height: 15-20' tall
- Mature Width: 4-6' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun/Part Shade
- Spacing: 6-8' apart
Dragon Slayer Holly
Bower & Branch Trees and Plants
Ilex x aquipernyi 'Dragon Slayer'
Regular price| Quantity | Automatic Savings |
|---|---|
| Buy 2 | Save $200 |
| Buy 3 | Save $500 |
| Buy 4 | Save $800 |
| Buy 6 | Save $1800 |
| Buy 10 or more | Save $4000 |
Plant with Confidence when choosing Big & Tall Trees and Hedges!
A slim evergreen sentinel with glossy, spiny leaves and red berries that keep the winter garden looking alive
FEATURES:
- Naturally narrow, upright conical form that stays tidy and architectural in tight spaces
- Glossy, spiny, dark green foliage delivers year-round structure and a classic holly look
- Female selection that can set showy red berries in fall and hold them into winter when a compatible male pollinator is nearby
- Strong, herringbone branching habit creates a full, layered silhouette instead of a sparse “string bean” look
- Evergreen for winter color, with seasonal interest peaking as berries ripen red in fall and persist into colder months
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because of the size of the tree – does not fit in a box
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
Plant Dragon Slayer where it can be the exclamation point, then calm the base with a generous mulch ring and a low, dark-green “collar” like boxwood or inkberry, and finish with something feathery nearby such as ornamental grasses or ferns so the holly’s strong lines look even sharper; if you want berries, tuck a compatible male holly within pollinating distance and keep the area open enough for good airflow so the foliage stays clean and glossy.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-7
- Mature Height: 15-20' tall
- Mature Width: 4-6' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun/Part Shade
- Spacing: 6-8' apart
Why plant Dragon Slayer Holly?
Dragon Slayer Holly brings drama without the tantrums: a tall, narrow evergreen that reads crisp and confident all year, then turns on the holiday lights when its red fruit ripens and hangs on into winter. It was selected out of a controlled breeding program and noted for a fuller habit and tolerance of poorer soils compared with Dragon Lady, plus a slower, steadier growth rate that helps it keep that clean, tailored shape.
How to use Dragon Slayer Holly in the landscape?
Use Dragon Slayer as a vertical accent where you want height without width, like flanking an entry, marking a corner of the house, tightening up a foundation planting, or lining a drive where space runs narrow but you still want evergreen presence. It also works beautifully as a living screen or hedge, especially when you want privacy that looks polished instead of bulky, and it pairs naturally with softer shrubs and ornamental grasses that can play against its bold, glossy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dragon Slayer Holly produces small, subtle white spring flowers that are not showy but can attract pollinators.
Yes, it is a female selection and can produce red berries, but it typically needs a compatible male holly nearby with overlapping bloom time for reliable fruit set.
Prune lightly in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and remove dead or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning after flowering if you want berries, since that can remove developing fruit.
