Carissa Holly

Carissa is a compact female cultivar of Chinese holly, with dense, glossy dark-green evergreen foliage and small fragrant white spring flowers. It typically reaches 3–4 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide; red fall and winter berries are uncommon. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-cornuta-carissa/common-name/carissa-holly/) · [UF/IFAS Extension](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP264) ## Site & season Plant in full sun or partial shade in slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Hardiness guidance differs: NC State lists zones 6b–9b, while UF/IFAS lists 8–10, so compare local winter conditions before planting. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-cornuta-carissa/common-name/carissa-holly/) · [UF/IFAS Extension](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP264) ## Landscape use Use Carissa as a low hedge or screen, in a foundation planting, or in borders and mass plantings. Its dense, rounded habit makes an evergreen backdrop for flowering plants. Female plants may carry red berries into fall and winter, though fruit is rarely produced and can be mildly toxic if eaten. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-cornuta-carissa/common-name/carissa-holly/) ## Maintenance Pruning is rarely needed; shape only as necessary and remove shoots that revert to the more heavily spined Rotunda-like leaf form. Established plants tolerate drought and heat. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-cornuta-carissa/common-name/carissa-holly/)