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Key characteristics

Family: Aquifoliaceae
Height: Up to 12 feet
Width: 6 to 8 feet
Flower color: Inconspicuous
Foliage color: Deep glossy blue-green leaves with creamy white margins; new growth is raspberry red, and foliage can develop pink and red hues in the fall
Bloom time: Spring
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; prune for shape anytime or in late winter
Growing zone: USDA Zones 6 to 9
Wildlife: Bright red berries attract birds

Shrubs

Ilex aquifolium 'Sadezam'

Santa's Delight Holly

Ilex aquifolium 'Sadezam' is an evergreen holly variety, known for its dense, glossy dark green foliage with a creamy white edge. This cultivar produces small white inconspicuous flowers in spring, followed by clusters of red berries in autumn, adding visual interest to gardens throughout the year. The berries are particularly noticeable, offering a splash of color against the dark leaves.

This variety was developed in Europe and is commonly used in ornamental landscaping, particularly for its ability to withstand a range of weather conditions.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Hedging & Privacy
Bird Gardens
Winter Interest

Companion plants

Juniper · Beautyberry · Larkspur · Pincushion flower · Wallflower · Grape hyacinth

Design tip

Use ‘Sadezam’ where its colorful foliage can provide interest throughout the year. Cream-edged blue-green leaves are accented by raspberry-red new growth and pink-to-red fall tones, while clusters of bright red berries add contrasting color in autumn.