Heartwood: National Leader in Hollies
Heartwood has over 50 Holly species available for wholesale and retail, including native and select non-native Hollies. See our Holly list.
We are the largest propagator of native American Holly in the United States. Learn more about our Holly propagation.
Our Native Hollies: Straight Species
Heartwood native Hollies are straight species. Unlike a cultivar, they haven’t been genetically manipulated to change their appearance. At Heartwood, when you see a native Holly with a name in quotes, this means the plant is a selection from a naturally occurring population. The name often reflects a noteworthy characteristic about that selection.
Our 'Sundown' Is 2026 Holly of the Year!
We're honored to announce that our American Holly 'Sundown' has been named the 2026 Holly of the Year by the Holly Society of America. Heartwood Nursery owner Sue Hunter blogs about what went into finding and growing Sundown and what makes this selection an award winner.
The Heartwood Holly Arboretum
The Heartwood Holly Arboretum, our beautiful forest of over 300 mature Holly trees, is a Holly Society of America Certified Arboretum and Test Center, meeting high standards in plant longevity, educational labeling, and research for hardiness. We offer occasional public tours and welcome requests for private group tours. Learn more about the Heartwood Holly Arboretum.
Hollies: The Crown Jewel of Horticulture
Hollies are one of the most unique, diverse groups of plants in nature. As a single focal-point specimen, a formal hedge, or an informal mass planting, Hollies beautify every garden or landscape.
All Hollies, and especially our native Hollies—inkberry (Ilex glabra), American Holly (Ilex opaca), and winterberry (Ilex verticillata)—provide nutrition and shelter for dozens of bird species.
While most Holly species are evergreen, there are also deciduous Hollies that lose their leaves in the fall, leaving bright drupes (berries) on bare stems, timed perfectly for the holidays. Learn more about why Sue considers Hollies the crown jewel of horticulture.
Podcast: Tips to Grow Strong, Beautiful Hollies
Heartwood Nursery owner Sue Hunter is President of the Holly Society of America. In this 2024 podcast with Washington Gardener, Sue discusses growing Hollies in the Mid-Atlantic region, including care, pollination, planting, and new selections for wholesale and retail.
