Ilex is a large genus of around 500 species of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers from woodland areas the world over. The Ilex genus is placed in the Aquifoliaceae family and the only living genus in that family. Hollies are grown for their leaves, which are often spiny and glossy, and their colourful berries, which time and again draw birds to the garden. Flowers are small, cup-shaped, and rather inconspicuous and are borne from spring to early summer. Male and female plants are usually needed for fruiting. Hollies need moist but well-drained soil of moderate fertility in full sun or partial shade. It is best to plant or move hollies in early spring. Prune in late winter or early spring if necessary.

Ilex serrata or Japanese winterberry is a deciduous shrub with slender purple twigs and elliptic, very finely toothed, dull green leaves. It bears bright pink flowers, followed by red and sometimes white or yellow fruit. Ilex serrata is native to China and Japan.