Abstract: Species of the genus Ilex serve as crucial woody resources in landscape greening and ecological restoration due to their high species diversity, broad ecological adaptability, and prominent ornamental value. This paper systematically reviews the current distribution patterns of Ilex germplasm resources, identifying East Asia and South America as global diversity centers and southwestern and southern China as core distribution regions. It comparatively analyzes the disparity in new cultivar development between domestic and international programs. Over 1000 horticultural cultivars have been bred worldwide, while 37 independent new Chinese cultivars have been granted rights in recent years. Key advances in germplasm innovation are synthesized, including identification and breeding utilization of natural hybrids, plus-tree selection from seedlings, artificial cross-breeding, and molecular-assisted breeding. Diverse application values in park greening, roadside landscaping, courtyard ornamentation, and revegetation of industrial and mining sites are elaborated. Future breakthrough research priorities are discussed, in order to provide scientific support for efficient breeding and industrial development of Ilex resources.