VARIEGATED AMERICAN HOLLY

Ilex opaca 'Steward’s Silver Crown'

COLLECTION

Holly Walk

 

FAMILY

Aquifoliaceae

 

PLANT TYPE

Tree, Evergreen

 

ZONE

5-9

 

CULTURE

The variegated American Holly (Ilex opaca ‘Steward’s Silver Crown’) prefers a moist, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It grows best in slightly acidic soil, the leaves will yellow in alkaline soils. Shelter from full winter exposure to avoid leaf scorch. A male tree is required, within 100 feet, for reliable berry set.

 

NOTEWORTHY CHARACTERISTICS

As one of the only handful of variegated cultivars of Ilex opaca, this plant has creamy white leaf margins with 1/3 inches fruit in the winter.

 

PROBLEMS

Ilex opaca is susceptible to insects (holly leaf miner; spider mites; whitefly; and scale) and disease (leaf spot; leaf rot; tar spot; and powdery mildew).

 

GARDEN USES

Used as a specimen plant or focal point. Great for holiday decor.

 

HISTORY

Several were planted in the 1970s collection expansion. Two were relocated during the 2014 renovation.

 

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