Holly vs Sedum (Stonecrop)

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

Holly

Ilex opaca

Aquifoliaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum spp.

Crassulaceae · groundcovers

EdibleDeer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Holly (Zones 5-9)

Sedum (Stonecrop) (Zones 3-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Holly	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Ilex opaca	Sedum spp.
Family	Aquifoliaceae	Crassulaceae
Category	shrubs	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Acidic, Well-drained	Well-drained, Poor
Height	40'	6"
Spread	20'	2'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	White	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Northern Hemisphere
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Holly

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — 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.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

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 Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

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

View HollyProfile →View Sedum (Stonecrop)Profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Holly and Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Holly grows in USDA zones 5-9, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Holly and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Holly or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Holly grows taller at 40' compared to Sedum (Stonecrop) at 6". Holly spreads 20' while Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2'.

Are Holly and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

Yes, both Holly and Sedum (Stonecrop) are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Holly or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Both Holly and Sedum (Stonecrop) 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	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Ilex opaca	Sedum spp.
Family	Aquifoliaceae	Crassulaceae
Category	shrubs	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Acidic, Well-drained	Well-drained, Poor
Height	40'	6"
Spread	20'	2'
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	White	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Northern Hemisphere
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.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

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 Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

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 Holly and Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Holly grows in USDA zones 5-9, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Holly and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Holly or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Holly grows taller at 40' compared to Sedum (Stonecrop) at 6". Holly spreads 20' while Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2'.

Are Holly and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

Yes, both Holly and Sedum (Stonecrop) are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Holly or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

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