Southern Living? Screen Play Holly Shrub

Southern Living® Screen Play Holly Shrub

The Screen Play Holly is a vibrant evergreen shrub renowned for its lustrous foliage, seasonal blooms, and festive winter fruit. This versatile plant combines attractive bronze-tinged leaves with elegant white springtime flowers and striking red berries that brighten the colder months. Whether you're looking to establish a living boundary or add structured greenery to your landscape, buy Screen Play Holly online to bring year-round color and texture to your outdoor space.

Landscaping Uses

This shrub excels as a hedge, privacy barrier, or focal point in mixed plantings. Its upright, dense growth habit makes it ideal for defining garden edges, screening unsightly views, and creating natural borders throughout your yard. Plant it in groups for maximum impact or as a standalone accent where you need height and structure.

Specifications

Height: 8–10 feet
Width: 4–6 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (minimum 4 hours direct sunlight daily)
Water: Moderate; prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil
Soil: Acidic, well-draining
USDA Zones: 5–9

Why Homeowners Love It

• Handsome glossy leaves with bronze undertones provide visual interest year-round
• White spring flowers transition to vibrant red winter berries for extended seasonal appeal
• Naturally resists deer browse, common diseases, and pest damage for minimal maintenance
• Thrives in hot, humid climates with strong heat tolerance and softer foliage than typical hollies

Planting & Care

Plant your Screen Play Holly in full sun or partial shade, choosing a location receiving at least four hours of direct daily light for optimal coloration. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, position the plant slightly above ground level, and backfill with soil before watering thoroughly. Water regularly to maintain moist but not waterlogged conditions, avoiding excessive moisture that could lead to root problems. Apply mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture and regulate temperature. Fertilize each spring with an acid-loving plant formula, and hold off pruning until after the delicate white spring flowers fade completely.