American Holly
Ilex opaca · Aquifoliaceae
📷 Flocci Nivis · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant american holly: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- American Holly
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Fruits
- Bright red berries (females only)
- Adult size
- 6 to 8 m tall, 4 to 5 m wide
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Down to -15 °C
- Origin
- Eastern North America
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrose régulièrement les deux premières années pour que les racines s'établissent bien, puis réduis progressivement : l'if hollande souffre plus de l'excès d'eau que du manque une fois établi. Paille généreusement le pied pour maintenir l'humidité du sol et le protéger des gels hivernaux intensifs.
The common mistake
La plupart des jardiniers plantent un seul pied et s'étonnent qu'il ne produise jamais de baies rouges : tu as besoin d'au moins un mâle et une femelle à proximité pour la pollinisation.
The pro's trick
Si tu veux des baies dès les premières années, plante ton houx femelle près d'un mâle établi (même chez le voisin parfois), et évite la taille juste avant la floraison (avril-mai) : tu supprimerais les fleurs futures.
Seasonal watch
L'hiver et le début du printemps : surveille les attaques d'araignées rouges et cochenilles sur le feuillage persistant, surtout si l'air est sec. Brumise légèrement par temps sec froid pour prévenir.
Care
Exposure
Plant your American holly in full sun or partial shade: it tolerates both well, but will fruit more abundantly in sun. Avoid overly windy locations that dry out the evergreen foliage.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to establish a strong root system. Once established, it becomes quite drought-tolerant. Keep the soil slightly moist in summer, especially if rainfall is low.
Soil
Holly prefers slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Add compost or peat moss at planting time. Avoid chalky soils, which can cause chlorosis.
Pruning
Prune lightly in late winter to maintain its natural pyramidal shape. Holly responds well to gentle pruning; avoid drastic cuts that leave visible scars. Harvest berry-laden stems for decoration in moderation.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced or shrub-specific fertilizer in spring. One application is usually sufficient for the year. A good organic mulch gradually provides nutrients.
Diseases and pests
Holly is generally hardy and rarely troubled by disease. Watch for spider mites during prolonged dry periods. Scale insects may appear indoors or in greenhouses; treat at the first signs.
Did you know?
American holly is a major Christmas symbol in North America: its red berries and evergreen foliage have adorned homes for centuries. A botanical curiosity: only females produce berries, but they need pollen from a male nearby to fruit, hence the importance of pairing both sexes in your garden!
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- HollyIlex aquifolium
- Yaupon hollyIlex vomitoria
- Japanese hollyIlex crenata
- Yerba mateIlex paraguariensis
- Highclere hollyIlex altaclerensis
- Ilex meserveaeIlex meserveae
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.