Robin Holly
Ilex attenuata
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Mar 11, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Robin Holly
Robin Holly (Ilex × attenuata 'Robin') is a dense, upright evergreen holly — a female hybrid of Ilex cassine and Ilex opaca — selected for its compact, pyramidal form and abundant bright red berries that ripen in fall and persist through winter. The glossy, lightly spined foliage provides year-round appeal, and the heavy fruit crop makes it a favorite for birds. A compatible male holly pollinator is required for fruit set. Starting at $275.00.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Robin Holly thrives in full sun to partial shade. Full sun produces the densest growth and heaviest berry crop. In NE Florida, a site with morning sun and some afternoon shade suits the plant well in summer.
Water regularly during establishment (first 1–2 seasons); once established, Robin Holly is moderately drought tolerant. Water during extended dry periods to maintain vigor and berry production. Avoid waterlogged soil.
Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 5.0–6.5). Sandy Florida soils may benefit from organic matter amendments. Apply a slow-release, acid-forming fertilizer in spring. A male Ilex × attenuata pollinator nearby is required for berry production.
Similar needs
Basswood
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Flowering Dogwood
Shares 5 of the same needs: similar light, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Fringe Tree
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Japanese Blueberry Tree
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Oakland Holly
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Pignut Hickory
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Robin Holly a good plant for St. Augustine?
Robin Holly is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 15-20 feet × 8-12 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.