The holidays are holly days
By Charles Brasher, Jackson County Extension Agent
According to the University of Florida publication "Hollies in Florida", hollies (Ilex genus) are among the most common landscape plants in the U.S., with over 500 cultivated varieties. Four varieties commonly planted in the Florida Panhandle are the Carissa, Burford, Chinese and Youpon.
If you want the larger trees, try the Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), as it can attain 20 to 40 feet in height, with a 15- to 20-foot spread. The leaves, when mature, are leathery, dark glossy green with one to three spines per margin and bright red berries.
The next smaller one is the Yaupon Holly, (Ilex vomitoria) which reaches a height of 20 to 25 feet and has a spread of 10 to 15 feet. It has small, glossy green top surfaced leaves that are toothed, but have no spines, with bright red or yellow berries. When first observed, this holly resembles a young live oak in its limb configuration. It comes in a dwarf size, which is frequently used as a hedge or grouping; however berries are not often present.
The Burford is next down in size, reaching 10 to 20 feet in height with a 8- to 10-foot spread. Its leaves are the most desirable for wreaths or other decorations, as these come in a dark, glossy green color with a single terminal spine. Its berries, when mature, are bright red. This one is also sold as a dwarf sub-variety. If you would like to see it growing full size, stop at the curb in front of the Agricultural Complex, Pennsylvania Avenue, in Marianna.
The Carissa Holly, a larger dwarf shrub, grows to about 4 to 5 feet in height and is blocky, with a 5- to 6-foot spread when mature. Carissas do not have fruit . Other hollies planted in this area include Savannah, which grows to 40 to 50 feet when planted in moist , fertile soil locations. Its berries are dark red.
You should know that hollies are dioecious plants, meaning that male and female flowers are located on separate plants. Female plants produce berries while males do not. Most dwarf plants do not produce berries, as these are produced vegetatively from male plants. Bees move the pollen from nearby male plants to female plants. All regular size plants for sale in our local retail should be female.
Hollies generally prefer partial shade, but most will tolerate full sun. Water is essential for establishing the plants and helping to tolerate the sun and heat. Well-drained soils are the order of the day, with a slight acidic pH, about 6.5, and high fertility is desirable. For best growth, and at transplanting, a soil sample every three years is recommended.
Once have your plants, you should transplant between November and March. However, container-grown hollies can be planted any time of the year with proper post-planting care. The planting hole or holes should be one foot wider than the root ball or container, and as deep as it is tall. Take care plant the hollies as deep as they were previously grown. The root system should be watered thoroughly after transplanting to settle soil around the roots. Form a saucer-like basin four to six inches high and about 12 inches away from the plant to help you maximize watering efficiency. A two- to three-inch organic mulch added to the soil surface will decrease soil temperature fluctuations, conserve moisture, and help to control weeds.
Overall, hollies are relatively easy to grow. Besides the rewards of berries and foliage during the holidays, birds love the berries, which attract them to your yard. For further information, contact the Jackson County Cooperative Extension Office at 2741 Pennsylvania Ave., Marianna or at 482-9620, or contact your county’s extension office and ask for the publication, " Hollies in Florida", Fact Sheet ENH-42.
Page created and maintained by West Florida Electric Cooperative, Inc. © 2001.
designed by embryo design