Crepe Myrtle vs Holly

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

Crepe Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica

Lythraceae · trees

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Holly

Ilex opaca

Aquifoliaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Crepe Myrtle (Zones 7-10)

Holly (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Crepe Myrtle	Holly
Scientific Name	Lagerstroemia indica	Ilex opaca
Family	Lythraceae	Aquifoliaceae
Category	trees	shrubs
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Acidic, Well-drained
Height	25'	40'
Spread	15'	20'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring
Bloom Color	Pink, Red, White, Purple	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Slow
Native Region	Southeast Asia	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Crepe Myrtle

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Holly

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Crepe Myrtle

✓Don't 'crepe murder' — avoid topping/severe pruning.
✓Thin interior branches for air flow.
✓Full sun is essential for best blooms.
✓Remove suckers at base.

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 Crepe Myrtle if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 7–10.

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 7–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Crepe MyrtleProfile →View HollyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Crepe Myrtle and Holly grow in the same hardiness zone?

Crepe Myrtle grows in USDA zones 7-10, while Holly grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 9.

Do Crepe Myrtle and Holly have the same sun and water needs?

Crepe Myrtle 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, Crepe Myrtle or Holly?

Holly grows taller at 40' compared to Crepe Myrtle at 25'. Holly spreads 20' while Crepe Myrtle spreads 15'.

Are Crepe Myrtle and Holly deer resistant?

Yes, both Crepe Myrtle and Holly are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Crepe Myrtle or Holly?

Both Crepe Myrtle and Holly have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Crepe Myrtle	Holly
Scientific Name	Lagerstroemia indica	Ilex opaca
Family	Lythraceae	Aquifoliaceae
Category	trees	shrubs
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Acidic, Well-drained
Height	25'	40'
Spread	15'	20'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring
Bloom Color	Pink, Red, White, Purple	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Slow
Native Region	Southeast Asia	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Crepe Myrtle

✓Don't 'crepe murder' — avoid topping/severe pruning.
✓Thin interior branches for air flow.
✓Full sun is essential for best blooms.
✓Remove suckers at base.

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 Crepe Myrtle if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 7–10.

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 7–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Crepe Myrtle and Holly grow in the same hardiness zone?

Crepe Myrtle grows in USDA zones 7-10, while Holly grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 9.

Do Crepe Myrtle and Holly have the same sun and water needs?

Crepe Myrtle 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, Crepe Myrtle or Holly?

Holly grows taller at 40' compared to Crepe Myrtle at 25'. Holly spreads 20' while Crepe Myrtle spreads 15'.

Are Crepe Myrtle and Holly deer resistant?

Yes, both Crepe Myrtle and Holly are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Crepe Myrtle or Holly?

Both Crepe Myrtle and Holly have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.