Crape Myrtle or Holly
 

If you had a choice of the Crape Myrtle, Lugustrum or a Holly knowing you could move it to another location if you wanted, which would you pick and why? BTW: Which one matures more quickly?

I prefer lagustrum, it stays green in the winter season. Holly also stays green, but I've only seen it used in hedges.

I like Burfordi Holly as it has red berries for a nice contrast. Great at Christmastime. Does good in winter (as if Florida has a winter!).

I have Holly in back area, and they look nice. They only get afternoon sun, but really flourish. (I've trimmed them numerous times since I've had them in past 2 years) They are about 5 ft tall.Their rich green color, beats Lugustrom green color, BUT I think Lugustrom grows faster. I also have a holly bush in yard, that gets sun all day, and doesn't grow as fast. I suggest you match the two greens together to make your choice. Oh, and also, I got red berries in fall on Holly. I assume you were talk'n bushes, because I REALLY love my Crepe Myrtle trees, even though they lose leaves in winter months.

Have you looked into verbenum? Grows quickly and doesn't get the brown spots on it like Lugustrum.

Ligustrum is not doing as well around here lately. It turns yellow and loses leaves. Holly is pretty with both foliage and berries, but even though Crepe Myrtle loses its leaves in the winter the flowers are so very beautiful at this time of year and forward. I do not know about maturity rates since I have not even matured myself. I think you will find that you will have room for all three in your yard at some point.

We have holly, veburnum and lagustrom, (excuse my spelling, you know what I mean)! I enjoy all three. Holly is a healthy grower, I love the red berries, and the birds love to build nests in it. I think that Lagustrom grows faster. I like Crepe Myrtle but since we're snow birds, we prefer things that flourish in the winter.

Think I am going Holly :) Thanks everyone.

Although we went with ligustrum, I think weeping bottlebrush may have been more interesting, especially if you are looking for shrubs/trees to plant at the front corner(s) of your house.

Yes, Holly holds it's rich green color. Also, Holly good for close to house, by windows, because they have these sharp needle like leaves, that will deter, someone close to windows!!! They grow pretty fast also.

Birds love to build nests in holly bushes because those sharp needle-like leaves keep out predators.

Perfect. We like birds.

Never gave thought to birds, but I can see why they would pick that bush. Also theres no care to these bushes, except for trimming when get too tall. And they are not bare in winter!