Carissa Holly
Best low-maintenance evergreen for gardeners seeking deer-resistant privacy hedges.
The Carissa Holly is a compact, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub celebrated for its dense, rounded form, making it an excellent choice for low hedges or mass plantings. Its glossy, deep green foliage provides a lush backdrop year-round, complemented by ornamental red berries in late fall. This medium-growth shrub is deer resistant, attracting beneficial birds and pollinators to your garden. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers rich, acidic soil, requiring average to moist conditions. Best pruned in late winter, it's a low-maintenance addition for any landscape.
$14.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
34
/ 2598
#34 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-62%
Below average
Mature Height
4
/ feet
Who it's for
- Climate-conscious gardeners needing heat-tolerant, resilient shrubbery
- Busy gardeners wanting a tidy, low-maintenance landscape
- Homeowners seeking consistent, year-round greenery for foundation beds
Who should skip it
- Gardeners managing heavy, water-retaining clay soil conditions
- Impatient landscapers looking for immediate, full-grown privacy screens
- Gardeners specifically seeking festive winter berries for seasonal color
Performance breakdown
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal pruning to maintain its naturally dense, rounded shape.
Landscape Versatility
Perfect for low hedges, mass plantings, or container gardening applications.
Wildlife Appeal
Provides essential shelter and food sources for local bird populations.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deer-resistant foliage keeps your garden safe from hungry visitors.
Year-Round Aesthetics
Glossy evergreen leaves and seasonal berries offer consistent visual interest.
Growth Predictability
Steady medium growth rate makes planning your garden layout straightforward.
Key Specs
Mature Height
4 feet
Mature Width
4 feet
Light Needs
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Foliage Color
Green
Family Name
Holly
Growth Rate
Medium
Hardiness Zone
6b
Features
- Dense, rounded growth habit for hedges
- Glossy, dark green foliage year-round
- Produces ornamental red berries in fall
- Deer resistant for protected yards
- Attracts birds and pollinators
- Low maintenance care
- Suitable for mass planting
- Evergreen foliage
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Carissa Holly plants sourced from Armstrong Garden Centers. Reviews frequently highlight the robust health and excellent condition of the shrubs upon purchase, suggesting superior nursery care. The plant's reliability is a major draw; gardeners note its successful establishment and impressive hardiness, making it a low maintenance favorite for foundational planting and borders. This dwarf holly delivers dependable performance and aesthetic appeal with minimal effort, confirming its status as a garden staple.
Know before you buy
The Carissa Holly typically reaches a mature height and width of 4 feet. Its compact, mounding growth habit makes it easy to manage in smaller garden spaces.
It is considered a low-maintenance plant. To keep its dense, rounded shape, it is best to prune it once a year in late winter.
No, this variety is deer resistant. It is a reliable choice for landscapes where deer pressure is a concern.
Yes, the Carissa Holly is container-friendly. Ensure your pot has good drainage and use an acidic potting mix to keep the plant healthy.
This holly thrives in rich, acidic soil. It performs best when kept in average to moist conditions, so be sure to monitor soil moisture during dry spells.
Yes, the shrub produces ornamental red berries in the late fall. These berries add a pop of color to your landscape and are a great way to attract birds to your garden.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$15