Carissa Holly

Growth Potential

Foliage reaches 3–4 ft tall and 4–6 ft wide at maturity.

Growth rate is slow — typically 3–6 inches per year. Forms a dense, rounded, mounding shape with minimal intervention needed.

Evergreen Strength

Carissa Holly is a compact, low-maintenance evergreen shrub with glossy dark green foliage and a naturally mounding form. Its dense, slow growth and tough constitution make it one of the most reliable foundation and border shrubs for hot, challenging landscapes — including heavy clay soils and intense summer heat.

Best Area to Plant

Foundation plantings:

Its naturally compact, mounding form makes it ideal along house foundations. It stays tidy without constant trimming and won’t outgrow its space the way faster shrubs do.

Low hedges and borders:

Mass plantings along driveways, walkways, or property edges create a uniform, polished look year-round thanks to its evergreen glossy foliage.
North Texas clay soils: One of the few ornamental shrubs that genuinely tolerates heavy DFW clay.

Care Instructions

  • Light:

    Full sun to partial shade. Best density and color in full sun.

  • Water:

    Drought-tolerant once established. Deep weekly watering when young; occasional deep watering during dry spells after.

  • Maintenance:

    Virtually maintenance-free. Prune lightly in late winter only if shaping is desired. Apply 2–3 in of mulch around the base. Feed once in spring with a slow-release balanced fertilizer.

  • Soil:

    best in well-drained loamy or clay soils and adapts exceptionally well to the heavy clay and alkaline conditions common throughout North Texas.