Holly vs Southern Magnolia

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

Holly

Ilex opaca

Aquifoliaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora

Magnoliaceae · trees

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Holly (Zones 5-9)

Southern Magnolia (Zones 7-10)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Holly	Southern Magnolia
Scientific Name	Ilex opaca	Magnolia grandiflora
Family	Aquifoliaceae	Magnoliaceae
Category	shrubs	trees
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Acidic, Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained, Acidic
Height	40'	80'
Spread	20'	40'
Bloom Season	Spring	Late Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	White	White
Growth Rate	Slow	Medium
Native Region	Eastern North America	Southeastern US
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Holly

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Southern Magnolia

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.

Southern Magnolia

✓Protect from winter winds in northern range.
✓Give space for lower branches to sweep the ground.
✓Leaves are slow to decompose.
✓Large seed pods with red seeds.

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 Southern Magnolia if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 7–10.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun to part shade), making them potential garden companions.

View HollyProfile →View Southern MagnoliaProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Holly and Southern Magnolia grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

Do Holly and Southern Magnolia have the same sun and water needs?

Holly needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Southern Magnolia 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 Southern Magnolia?

Southern Magnolia grows taller at 80' compared to Holly at 40'. Southern Magnolia spreads 40' while Holly spreads 20'.

Are Holly and Southern Magnolia deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Holly or Southern Magnolia?

Both Holly and Southern Magnolia 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	Southern Magnolia
Scientific Name	Ilex opaca	Magnolia grandiflora
Family	Aquifoliaceae	Magnoliaceae
Category	shrubs	trees
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Acidic, Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained, Acidic
Height	40'	80'
Spread	20'	40'
Bloom Season	Spring	Late Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	White	White
Growth Rate	Slow	Medium
Native Region	Eastern North America	Southeastern US
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.

Southern Magnolia

✓Protect from winter winds in northern range.
✓Give space for lower branches to sweep the ground.
✓Leaves are slow to decompose.
✓Large seed pods with red seeds.

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 Southern Magnolia if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 7–10.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun to part shade), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Holly and Southern Magnolia grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

Do Holly and Southern Magnolia have the same sun and water needs?

Holly needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Southern Magnolia 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 Southern Magnolia?

Southern Magnolia grows taller at 80' compared to Holly at 40'. Southern Magnolia spreads 40' while Holly spreads 20'.

Are Holly and Southern Magnolia deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Holly or Southern Magnolia?

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