Hollies Suitable for the Iowa Landscape Horticulture Hollies Suitable for the Iowa Landscape Holly is a plant often associated with the Christmas season. Their glossy, green leaves and brightly-colored fruit are often used in wreaths, centerpieces, and other decorations. Unfortunately, most holly species are not reliably hardy in Iowa. However, winterberry, inkberry, and several Meserve hybrid hollies can be successfully grown in the state. The flowers of all holly species are small and inconspicuous.
Hollies are also dioecious.
Dioecious plant species produce male and female flowers on separate plants. Only the female plants produce the attractive fruit. However, a male plant is required for pollination and fruit set. While most hollies are evergreen, winterberry loses its leaves in the fall. It grows 6 to 10 feet tall.