American Holly - Ilex opaca

Pyramid American Holly |  Ilex opaca 'American Holly' 

Plant Highlights:

• Growing Zone: 5-9
• Plant Brand: The Plant Factory Choice
• Botanical Name: Ilex opaca American Holly
• Foliage Color: Green
• Flower Color: White
• Flower Fragrance: Slight
• Fall Color: Green
• Type: Evergreen
• Mature Height: 20-40 feet
• Mature Width: 10-20 feet
• Growth Rate: Rapid
• Exposure: Sun
• Soil Needs: Tolerant to many soils
• Water Needs: Occasionally, we recommend our newest product Moisture Maxx wetting agent.  
• Pruning Needs: Early spring trimming to remove crossed branches
• Awards:
• Grown by: The Plant Factory

Additional Highlights:

• Pollinator Friendly: Yes
• Deer Resistant: Yes
• Pet Friendly: No
• Reblooming: No
• Cold and Heat Tolerant: Yes

 Introduction:

Ilex opaca, commonly known as American Holly, is a popular evergreen tree due to its striking appearance and festive associations during the holiday season. Its glossy, dark green leaves and vibrant red berries make it a favorite choice for landscaping and holiday decorations.

Disease and Pest Resistance:

American Holly exhibits good resistance to most diseases and pests, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. However, occasional issues with leaf spot and scale insects may arise, which can be managed through proper care and, if necessary, targeted treatments.

Uses:

• Landscaping: American Holly is often used as an ornamental tree in gardens, parks, and residential landscapes.
• Holiday Decorations: Its bright red berries are frequently used in festive decorations, adding a touch of color to wreaths and garlands.

Berries and Flowering Information:

American Holly produces small white flowers in late spring, attracting pollinators such as bees. The female trees bear bright red berries that ripen in the fall and persist throughout winter, providing valuable food for birds during colder months.

Foliage Color:

The foliage of American Holly is glossy and deep green, creating a lush and vibrant appearance throughout the year.

Pollination Information:

American Holly is dioecious, which means there are separate male and female trees. In order to produce berries, female trees require pollen from nearby male trees. It is advisable to plant at least one male holly tree for every three to five female holly trees to ensure successful pollination and fruit set.

Fertilizing Recommendations:

For optimal growth and berry production, fertilize American Holly in early spring using a balanced, SR-18-5-10 slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreen trees. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can harm the tree.

Watering Requirements:

American Holly prefers well-draining soil but requires consistent watering, especially during the first year after planting. Once established, it becomes more drought-tolerant, but regular watering during prolonged dry spells is beneficial.

Plant Care for American Holly:

• Pruning: American Holly rarely requires heavy pruning, but occasional light pruning to maintain its shape can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth.
• Winter Protection: In regions with harsh winters, consider protecting young trees from cold winds and extreme temperatures using burlap or other protective materials.

Sizes and Height:

American Holly typically grows as a pyramidal tree, reaching heights of 20 to 40 feet (6 to 12 meters) with a spread of 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters). Some cultivars may have a more compact growth habit, suitable for smaller landscapes.

 Deer Resistance:

American Holly is generally deer-resistant, as deer tend to avoid its spiny leaves.

Drought Tolerance:

Once established, American Holly displays moderate drought tolerance. However, it is best to provide supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods to keep the tree healthy. Use our Moisture Maxx Water Agent to help with moisture control. 

 Ordering:

Our processing time usually is 1-3 days after receiving the order. Orders taken after 4:00 pm on Wednesday through Sunday will be shipped the following Monday.

Shipping:

The Plant Factory, Inc. offers the very best shipping processes to ensure quick, safe, and near-perfect results every time. Cold and heat may deter your order temporarily until it is safe to receive and plant your plants/trees in your area. At our discretion, we will hold order till the threat is gone ensuring you with the healthiest- viable product ordered.

Summer/Winter Shipping Restrictions – Summer above 95 degrees | Winter - Below 34 degrees

Just a heads up! We share pictures and videos on our site to showcase our products and highlight the quality of our growing process. However, depending on the season you purchase, you can receive a plant that is smaller or larger than what is presented. There's a chance you might see a plant blooming like the one on our site, but it's not guaranteed. We often trim off blooms since they don't travel well. When you buy our plants, think of it as a wonderful investment in your future garden! Enjoy the journey of nurturing them to their fullest potential.

What makes Plant Factory Direct a great option?

We grow our plants right here at our nursery! Our knowledgeable staff uses top-notch horticultural practices to make sure our plants are healthy and of the highest quality. We choose your plants with the same care and thoughtfulness as if we were picking them for ourselves. We aim to go above and beyond what our customers expect. We take pride in providing wonderful “out of the box” experiences, along with friendly customer service and speedy resolutions.