HEDGEHOG ENGLISH HOLLY

HEDGEHOG ENGLISH HOLLY

Ilex aquifolium 'Ferox'

COLLECTION

Holly Walk

FAMILY

Aquifoliaceae

PLANT TYPE

Tree, Evergreen

ZONE

6 – 9

CULTURE

The Hedgehog English Holly (Ilex aquifolium ‘Ferox’) prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Demonstrates healthy salt tolerance.

NOTEWORTHY CHARACTERISTICS

This male cultivar is a most vicious plant. In addition to marginal spine, this cultivar is armed with spines on the surface of the leaf.

PROBLEMS

No major problems or pests.

GARDEN USES

A novel plant collector thought it could serve as a good hedge to keep troublesome neighbors out.

HISTORY

Planted in the 1970s during the expansion of the initial collection.

LUSTERLEAF HOLLY

Ilex latifolia

COLLECTION

Holly Walk

FAMILY

Aquifoliaceae

PLANT TYPE

Tree, Evergreen

ZONE

7-9

CULTURE

Lusterleaf Holly (Ilex latifolia) grows best in moist, well-drained soil in full sun. It benefits being sheltered from cold winter winds.

NOTEWORTHY CHARACTERISTICS

This specimen has similar foliar texture to that of a Southern Magnolia with large, red fruit held in axillary clusters.

PROBLEMS

None

GARDEN USES

Used as a single specimen.

HISTORY

Planted in the 1970s during the expansion of the initial collection.

WINTERBERRY HOLLY

Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite'

COLLECTION

Holly Walk

FAMILY

Aquifoliaceae

PLANT TYPE

Shrub, Deciduous

ZONE

3-9

CULTURE

Native to swampy areas of the Eastern United States, Ilex verticillata prefer a moist, acidic soil with good organic matter. Plant in full sun for the best fruiting set. It requires a male pollinator; the ‘Jim Dandy’ cultivar is the best.

NOTEWORTHY CHARACTERISTICS

As one of the more compact cultivars of Ilex verticillata, ‘Red Sprite’ grows 3 to 5 feet wide, has lustrous dark green leaves and large 3/8 inch red fruit. A true show stopper in the winter landscape.

PROBLEMS

None

GARDEN USES

Used in mass planting or as a focal point in a foundation planting.

HISTORY

‘Red Sprite’ was installed as an informal hedge as part of the 2014 Holly Walk renovation.

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.

AMERICAN HOLLY

Ilex opaca 'Dan Fenton'

COLLECTION

Holly Walk

FAMILY
Aquifoliaceae

PLANT TYPE

Tree, Evergreen

ZONE

5-9

CULTURE

Prefers a moist, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Ilex opaca grows best in a slightly acidic soil and requires a male for pollination.

NOTEWORTHY CHARACTERISTICS

‘Dan Fenton’ boasts 1/4 inch red fruit against glossy deep green foliage. It is adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions and attracts birds 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 large screening plant, or as a specimen. In the South, it is also used as a street tree.

HISTORY

Installed in 2015 as an expansion to the collection.