What Holly Bush Type Is Best In Ohio’s Plant Hardiness Zone 6A?

Question

Is it the female plant that produces berries? Does it do best in full sun,partial shade, full shade?

Answer 1

Holly bushes and small trees do best in partial shade, 4-6 hours of sun daily. They prefer acidic soil which may be an issue for Ohio growers. The female holly produces berries; a male holly needs to be nearby, within 50 feet or so, to pollinate the female flowers and start berry production. In plant nurseries, hollies are usually sold as either male or female. American, Dahoon, inkberry and winterberry, are popular hollies for your zone. Provided are two links: one to some of the hollies for zone 5-9 although the list is not exhaustive. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-5/holly-shrubs-for-zone-5.htm
and this link to how to grow and care for holly: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/growing-holly-bushes.htm

Answer 2

Most Holly shrubs and trees are fully hardy down to zone 6. Since you are on that thin line of hardiness, I would recommend pulling toward the cold hardy cultivars, just in case.

This article will help you to choose a holly that will definitely do well in your area: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-5/holly-shrubs-for-zone-5.htm