Chrysanthemum vs Holly

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum morifolium

Asteraceae · flowers

EdibleMedium Maintenance

Holly

Ilex opaca

Aquifoliaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Chrysanthemum (Zones 5-9)

Holly (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Chrysanthemum	Holly
Scientific Name	Chrysanthemum morifolium	Ilex opaca
Family	Asteraceae	Aquifoliaceae
Category	flowers	shrubs
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Acidic, Well-drained
Height	3'	40'
Spread	2'	20'
Bloom Season	Fall	Spring
Bloom Color	Yellow, Red, White, Purple	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Slow
Native Region	East Asia	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Chrysanthemum

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Holly

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Chrysanthemum

✓Pinch stems until July 4th for bushier plants.
✓Provide winter mulch in cold zones.
✓Divide every 2-3 years.
✓Disbud for larger blooms.

Holly

✓Need both male and female plants for berries.
✓One male can pollinate 6-8 females.
✓Prune in winter for holiday decorations.
✓Tolerates heavy shading.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Chrysanthemum if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 5–9.

Choose Holly if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View ChrysanthemumProfile →View HollyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Chrysanthemum and Holly grow in the same hardiness zone?

Chrysanthemum grows in USDA zones 5-9, while Holly grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Chrysanthemum and Holly have the same sun and water needs?

Chrysanthemum needs full sun and medium water, while Holly needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Chrysanthemum or Holly?

Holly grows taller at 40' compared to Chrysanthemum at 3'. Holly spreads 20' while Chrysanthemum spreads 2'.

Are Chrysanthemum and Holly deer resistant?

Holly is deer resistant, but Chrysanthemum is not. If deer are a concern, Holly is the better choice, or protect Chrysanthemum with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Chrysanthemum or Holly?

Chrysanthemum has medium maintenance while Holly has low maintenance. Holly may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Chrysanthemum	Holly
Scientific Name	Chrysanthemum morifolium	Ilex opaca
Family	Asteraceae	Aquifoliaceae
Category	flowers	shrubs
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Acidic, Well-drained
Height	3'	40'
Spread	2'	20'
Bloom Season	Fall	Spring
Bloom Color	Yellow, Red, White, Purple	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Slow
Native Region	East Asia	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Care Tips

Chrysanthemum

✓Pinch stems until July 4th for bushier plants.
✓Provide winter mulch in cold zones.
✓Divide every 2-3 years.
✓Disbud for larger blooms.

Holly

✓Need both male and female plants for berries.
✓One male can pollinate 6-8 females.
✓Prune in winter for holiday decorations.
✓Tolerates heavy shading.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Chrysanthemum if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 5–9.

Choose Holly if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Chrysanthemum and Holly grow in the same hardiness zone?

Chrysanthemum grows in USDA zones 5-9, while Holly grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Chrysanthemum and Holly have the same sun and water needs?

Chrysanthemum needs full sun and medium water, while Holly needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Chrysanthemum or Holly?

Holly grows taller at 40' compared to Chrysanthemum at 3'. Holly spreads 20' while Chrysanthemum spreads 2'.

Are Chrysanthemum and Holly deer resistant?

Holly is deer resistant, but Chrysanthemum is not. If deer are a concern, Holly is the better choice, or protect Chrysanthemum with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Chrysanthemum or Holly?

Chrysanthemum has medium maintenance while Holly has low maintenance. Holly may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.