Holly Golden Oakland

Golden Oakland Holly

Holly Golden Oakland (Ilex hybrid ‘Golden Oakland’) is a striking evergreen shrub that stands out with its uniquely variegated foliage. Each glossy leaf features bold gold and green marbling, adding instant brightness and contrast to the landscape. Its upright, pyramidal shape gives it a stately presence, making it suitable for foundation plantings, hedges, focal points, or mixed borders. Unlike many variegated plants that fade in strong sun, Golden Oakland maintains its vivid coloration year-round, enhancing gardens in all seasons.

Highly adaptable and resilient, this holly thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates heat, humidity, and a range of soil conditions. Its tidy growth habit reduces the need for frequent pruning, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes. Golden Oakland also provides subtle wildlife value, with dense foliage offering shelter for birds. Whether used as a bold accent or mass-planted for a dramatic effect, this evergreen delivers long-lasting structure and color with minimal effort.

Care Instructions

Planting:
Plant in full sun to partial shade. Choose well-drained soil and space plants 4–6 feet apart if using for hedging or screens.

Watering:
Water regularly during the first growing season. Once established, Golden Oakland is moderately drought-tolerant and needs only occasional watering.

Pruning:
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape. Minimal pruning is needed due to its naturally upright, pyramidal form.

Pest Control:
Generally pest-resistant. Monitor for scale or spider mites; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap if necessary.

Soil Tips:
Prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Amend clay soils with compost to improve drainage. Mulch annually to retain moisture and reduce soil temperature fluctuations.