Sep 24 2008
Plant of the Week: American Holly
Okay, I probably shouldn’t be talking about Holly right now when Christmas is so far away but I figured now would be a great time to think about adding some color to your yard during those winter months. The bright red berries, distinct deep green leaves, small white flowers and the diversity of the plant makes it an excellent choice for many homes.
The American Holly grows in several zones, specifically Zones 5 to 9, and is well adapted to almost all soil types. This means the plant is fine in clay or sandy, acidic or rich soil and everything in between. It is very hardy and thrives in full sun or partial shade.
One of the best features of the American Holly is the fact that it can either serve as a focal point in a garden, growing to heights of 40 to 50 feet, with the typical evergreen pyramid shape. If it is privacy that you crave, the American Holly can be trimmed down to serve as a hedge.
Despite the functions of the tree, the American Holly offers food and homes to many animals and you will find yourself not only enjoying year round color but also a host of friendly animals to your yard. It is a well-known fact that the luscious berries that reach maturity between September and October are enjoyed as a food source by birds and deer alike. I should mention that, although deer and birds enjoy the berries they are poisonous to humans.
Lastly, if you are interested in having a successful American Holly in your yard, complete with berries, it is important to plan for more than one. The American Holly is a dioecious, which means that male and female are found in separate plants. To pollinate correctly, there must be more than one tree. Another detractor of the American Holly is its slow growth rate.  On average, an American Holly can take roughly 4 to 7 years before it even begins to blossom and it gains an average of only 12 to 24″ in height each year.
Still, despite its detractors, the American Holly is a hardy plant that grows in a wide variety of zones, soils and geographical areas. It is a perfect addition to any yard, whether you want a decorative tree or a nice hedge.
Sirena Van Schaik
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