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Ilex × attenuata 'Savannah', commonly known as the Savannah Holly, is a popular, fast-growing broadleaf evergreen hybrid tree celebrated for its narrow pyramidal shape and spectacular winter berries.
Discovered in the 1960s in Georgia, it is a cross between the Dahoon Holly (I. cassine) and the American Holly (I. opaca).
This shrub typically reaches 15 to 30 feet tall and 8 to 15 feet wide, developing a tight, upright pyramidal to columnar form and features pale to dull olive-green, smooth-textured leaves. The leaves have soft, sparse spines along the margins that are much less sharp than traditional American Hollies. The plant produces tiny, inconspicuous white flowers in the spring. As a female cultivar, it yields massive, heavy clusters of fluorescent, bright red berries by mid-fall that persist through the winter and attract birds. (Note: It requires a male pollinator nearby to set fruit).
It is considered a moderate to rapid grower, frequently adding a foot or more of height per year.
It prefers full sun to partial shade. While it tolerates shade, full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light) guarantees the dense growth habit and the highest berry production.
It thrives in moist, well-drained, highly acidic soils. It is highly sensitive to alkaline soils, which will cause chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves).
This is a very low maintenance shrub, if left to its natural growth habit. It handles pruning exceptionally well and can be sheared annually to serve as a formal accent, dense hedge, or privacy screen. Heavy pruning should only be done in late winter, as pruning after spring flowering will eliminate the winter berries
This plant requires pre-ordering, please email tneal@wildrootsnativenursery to request with the quantities and sizes you would like.
Host plant for various Lepidoptera, including the Henry's Elfin Butterfly, and the Holly Azure Butterfly.
Specialist bees relies heavily on this species for nectar and pollen.
Type: Tree