Maintenance Landscaping Design

American holly is a native evergreen plant that has been used for centuries to create holiday decorations. The plant has shiny, dark green leaves and red berries that grow in clusters. American holly can be found in woodlands across the eastern United States.

Also called

• English holly
  
• Christmas holly
  
• Winterberry holly
  
• Inkberry holly
  
• Yaupon holly

Things to Know

• American holly is an evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to the eastern United States.
  
• It typically grows to 15-20 feet tall, although some specimens can reach 30 feet.
  
• American holly has glossy, dark green leaves that are spiny on the margins.
  
• The flowers are small, white, and borne in clusters in late spring.
  
• The fruit is a small, red berry that ripens in autumn and is an important food source for many birds and small mammals.
  
• American holly is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and is a popular choice for Christmas decorations.
  
• The wood is hard and close-grained, making it suitable for a variety of woodworking projects.
  
• American holly is an important source of nectar for honeybees and other pollinators.
  
• The plant has been used medicinally for a variety of ailments, including colds, fevers, and indigestion.
  
• American holly is a slow-growing plant that can live for centuries in the right conditions.

Related plant:
Brunfelsia Americana

Growing Steps

1. For american holly, first step is to find a spot in partial to full sun.
   
2. The next step is to clear the area of any debris and unwanted vegetation.
   
3. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
   
4. Once the hole is dug, place the root ball into the hole and backfill with soil.
   
5. Next, water the plant deeply to settle the roots.
   
6. Once the plant is watered, apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture.
   
7. The plant will need to be watered regularly, especially during dry periods.
   
8. American holly will need to be fertilized annually in the spring.
   
9. Pruning can be done as needed to shape the plant or remove any damaged or diseased branches.
   
10. Holly berries can be harvested in the fall and winter months.

Related plant:
Ulmus Americana

Soil Condition

About soil condition, american holly grows best in slightly acidic, well-drained soils, but it is tolerant of a range of soil conditions. It does not do well in wet or poorly drained soils. This tree is also relatively drought tolerant once it is established.

About light

So, like the other hollies, American holly needs full sun to partial shade to look its best. In too much shade, the leaves become lighter green and the plant may become leggy. If you have a holly tree that's not getting enough sun, try pruning it back to encourage new growth and a fuller plant.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for American holly is between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. This tree does not do well in temperature extremes, so it is important to provide it with moderate temperatures.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. The American holly (Ilex opaca) is a species of holly that is native to the eastern United States. The American holly is an evergreen tree that can grow to a height of 40 feet (12 meters). The leaves of the American holly are dark green and have a spiny margin. The flowers of the American holly are white and borne in clusters. The fruit of the American holly is a red berry. The American holly grows best in soil that is moist but well-drained. The ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. The American holly can tolerate sun or shade, but it prefers partial shade.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, usually the plant will do just fine if you simply use a good all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season. However, if you want to give it a little something extra, you can use a fertilizer designed specifically for hollies. As for the roots, American holly is not too fussy and will do well in most any type of soil as long as it is well-drained.

Plant Pruning

Pruning American holly is best done in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. American holly can be pruned to maintain a certain shape or size, or to remove diseased or damaged branches. When pruning, be sure to make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a node (where leaves are attached).

Plant Propagation

Propagation of American holly can be achieved through rooting of stem cuttings taken from the current season's growth. Cuttings should be taken from the ends of lateral branches that are approximately 6-8 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone, and plant in a well-drained rooting medium. American holly can also be propagated via seed, although this method is not as reliable.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate when they are young seedlings. However, they may also grow fast when they are older. The average growth rate is about 2 to 3 feet per year. Some may grow faster, some slower.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew and stem cankers. Powdery mildew is a white or gray powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. Stem cankers are brown or black areas on the stems of the plant.

List to Know

• If growing holly in containers, choose a pot that is twice the size of the plant's root ball.
  
• Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for evergreens.
  
• Water holly regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
  
• Fertilize holly every other month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune holly regularly to shape and control its growth.
  
• Protect holly from wind and winter sun by planting it in a sheltered spot.
  
• If growing holly indoors, place it in a bright spot near a south- or west-facing window.
  
• Keep holly's soil evenly moist, but not soggy, and fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Cut back holly's growth by one-third in late winter to promote new growth in the spring.
  

Similar Plants

• apache holly plant
  
• american holly ilex opaca
  
• american holly information
  
• american holly berry
  
• american holly bush
  
• ameri

Source:
American Holly | Oklahoma State University
American Holly (Ilex opaca) | Bryn Mawr College
American Holly - Washington University in St. Louis