Botanical Name: Ilex opaca
Ramblin’ Man
The American Holly is a native evergreen holly that produces classic dark green holly shaped leaves and can produce brilliant red berries when properly pollinated. Although it is slower growing than most hybrid tree hollies, American holly can eventually reach over 40 ft tall and 20 ft wide. It offers small greenish white flowers that attract pollinators. Female varieties must have a male nearby to produce berries. Dwarf and weeping varieties, like Ramblin’ Man, may fit traditional landscape spaces better than the species, but they may not produce berries. Consider American Holly as a specimen or as a more natural screen when compared to hybrid tree hollies.
The American Holly prefers 6 or more hours of sunlight a day, but it can perform in shady locations as well. It requires well drained acid soil. American holly is drought tolerant once established. American Holly can be pruned in late winter through spring, but pruning may interfere with berry production. Mulch the prepared soil base to retain moisture and fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer to encourage new growth.
Botanical Name: Ilex opaca
Ramblin’ Man
The American Holly is a native evergreen holly that produces classic dark green holly shaped leaves and can produce brilliant red berries when properly pollinated. Although it is slower growing than most hybrid tree hollies, American holly can eventually reach over 40 ft tall and 20 ft wide. It offers small greenish white flowers that attract pollinators. Female varieties must have a male nearby to produce berries. Dwarf and weeping varieties, like Ramblin’ Man, may fit traditional landscape spaces better than the species, but they may not produce berries. Consider American Holly as a specimen or as a more natural screen when compared to hybrid tree hollies.
The American Holly prefers 6 or more hours of sunlight a day, but it can perform in shady locations as well. It requires well drained acid soil. American holly is drought tolerant once established. American Holly can be pruned in late winter through spring, but pruning may interfere with berry production. Mulch the prepared soil base to retain moisture and fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer to encourage new growth.
