Trees
Ilex × 'Centennial Dragon'
Centennial Dragon holly
Centennial Dragon forms a narrow evergreen pyramid with rich green leaves and contrasting red berries. New growth emerges with plum-brown tones before deepening to green, adding subtle seasonal variation to the foliage. Its naturally dense habit makes it useful as an upright specimen or screening tree where year-round structure is wanted.
At a glance
- Sun
- Sun to part shade
- Size
- Height: About 14 ft · Width: About 6 ft
- Water
- Moderate; keep soil consistently moist, especially while establishing, with good drainage.
- Hardiness
- USDA zone 6 and warmer, per Pleasant Run
Sizes & prices
- #15A$139.99
- #15BCentennial Dragon Holly$249.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
Ask about this plantSelect a section to expand.
Landscape use & tree form
- Use
- Evergreen ornamental specimen; cut branches
- Fruit / litter
- Ornamental fruits provide winter interest
- Form
- Narrow upright pyramidal evergreen.
- Growth rate
- Vigorous, as described in the cultivar patent.
Resistance & tolerances
- Deer
- Grower lists deer resistance; not deer-proof.
- Drought
- Maintain adequate moisture during dry weather; no cultivar-specific drought trial was found.
- Wet soil
- Use well-drained organic soil; do not treat moist-soil guidance as flood tolerance.
Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.
Pollinators & wildlife
- Attracts
- Bees
- Birds
- Fruit provides food
- Fruiting
- On pollinated female plants
Seasonal interest
- Foliage
- Evergreen; plum-brown new growth, dark green mature foliage
- Fruit
- Red berries persisting into winter
Growing & care
- Soil
- Average garden soil
- Pollination
- A compatible male Ilex aquifolium or meserveae holly supports berry production
- Pruning
- Prune selectively, preserving the upright framework; avoid removing all flowering shoots if berries are wanted.
Sources & photo credits
University of Minnesota Extension
Photo: U.S. plant patent PP25659 / Patent figure reproduction under USPTO patent-information policy; no copyright or mask-work notice found in the patent or figure; cropped to emphasize the plant, resized and converted to WebP; figure 3; color scan courtesy of University of Maryland Libraries · Patent figure reproduction under USPTO patent-information policy; no copyright or mask-work notice found in the patent or figure
Image notes: Centennial Dragon holly showing its evergreen leaves and flower buds. U.S. plant patent PP25659 / Patent figure reproduction under USPTO patent-information policy; no copyright or mask-work notice found in the patent or figure. Cropped to emphasize the plant, resized and converted to WebP.
Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.