The Variegated False Holly is another versatile workhorse in the mixed border. It grows well in full sun or part shade and adds life and color wherever it is planted. This bushy and compact broadleaf shrub grows slowly to four feet and is hardy in USDA Climatix zone 3. Its holly shaped leaves glisten in shades of gold, green, and cream. I like to use this plant to add winter interest to a mixed border or to carry a gold theme through a design, using various shrubs and perennials. It looks great in the sun with Verbena 'Homestead Purple' and in the shade with Geranium 'Johnson's Blue'.

The false holly will rarely need pruning if it is placed where it can spread. When it does need pruning, keep testosterone-laden men with electric hedge sheers away from it! It looks best, as most plants do, with a natural shape. Just trim it back branch by branch making cuts at the node of another branch.

I have seen the False Holly in many local nurseries so you won't have trouble finding it. I bought mine at Farmington Gardens Nursery in Aloha, OR.