Holly vs Red Maple

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

Holly

Ilex opaca

Aquifoliaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Red Maple

Acer rubrum

Aceraceae · trees

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Holly (Zones 5-9)

Red Maple (Zones 3-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Holly	Red Maple
Scientific Name	Ilex opaca	Acer rubrum
Family	Aquifoliaceae	Aceraceae
Category	shrubs	trees
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Acidic, Well-drained	Adaptable
Height	40'	70'
Spread	20'	40'
Bloom Season	Spring	Spring
Bloom Color	White	Red
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Holly

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Red Maple

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

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.

Red Maple

✓Tolerates a wide range of soils.
✓Surface roots can be problematic in lawns.
✓Prune in summer to avoid bleeding sap.
✓Fast growing — 13-24 inches per year.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

Choose Red Maple if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun to part shade), making them potential garden companions.

View HollyProfile →View Red MapleProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Holly and Red Maple grow in the same hardiness zone?

Holly grows in USDA zones 5-9, while Red Maple grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Holly and Red Maple have the same sun and water needs?

Holly needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Red Maple needs full sun to part shade and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Holly or Red Maple?

Red Maple grows taller at 70' compared to Holly at 40'. Red Maple spreads 40' while Holly spreads 20'.

Are Holly and Red Maple deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Holly or Red Maple?

Both Holly and Red Maple 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	Holly	Red Maple
Scientific Name	Ilex opaca	Acer rubrum
Family	Aquifoliaceae	Aceraceae
Category	shrubs	trees
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Acidic, Well-drained	Adaptable
Height	40'	70'
Spread	20'	40'
Bloom Season	Spring	Spring
Bloom Color	White	Red
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

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.

Red Maple

✓Tolerates a wide range of soils.
✓Surface roots can be problematic in lawns.
✓Prune in summer to avoid bleeding sap.
✓Fast growing — 13-24 inches per year.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

Choose Red Maple if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun to part shade), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Holly and Red Maple grow in the same hardiness zone?

Holly grows in USDA zones 5-9, while Red Maple grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Holly and Red Maple have the same sun and water needs?

Holly needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Red Maple needs full sun to part shade and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Holly or Red Maple?

Red Maple grows taller at 70' compared to Holly at 40'. Red Maple spreads 40' while Holly spreads 20'.

Are Holly and Red Maple deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Holly or Red Maple?

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