Foster Holly is an evergreen tree belonging to the genus Ilex and the family Aquifoliaceae. It is also known as the American Christmas or English Holly. It is native to the U.S., can grow up to 50 feet tall, and has a trunk diameter of up to 20 inches.
Foster Holly's Uses
It is an ornamental tree often used for landscaping, particularly in winter when its bright red berries and glossy green leaves are commonly associated with Christmas decorations. Due to its dense, spiny foliage, the tree is also used for hedges and privacy screens.
Foster Holly's Appearance
The tree leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery, with a sharp, pointed shape. In spring, the tree produces tiny white blossoms and bright red berries made in the fall. The berries are a valuable food source for many birds and mammals, including the American Robin, Eastern Bluebird, and Cedar Waxwing.
The tree(Ilex x attenuata 'Fosteri') is a versatile and hardy evergreen shrub that can be planted in various locations.
- Soil: It prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.0-7.0). It can thrive in various soil types, including sandy or clay soils.
- Climate: It is a cold-hardy shrub and can live through temperatures as low as -10°F. It is also tolerant to heat and humidity, making it a good choice for various climates.
- Space: It can grow up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide, so make sure you plant it in an area with enough space to accommodate its mature size.
- Landscape use is an excellent choice for hedges, screens, and foundation plantings. It can also be used as a specimen plant or grouped in a mass planting for a dramatic effect.
- Care: It is a low-maintenance shrub that requires little pruning or fertilizer. It is also resistant to most pests and diseases.
- Sunlight: It thrives in full sun to partial shade, so it's best to plant it in an area that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Buy Foster Holly Online
The Many Gardening Advantages Of Planting Evergreens And Hollies As the name implies, evergreens and hollies hold their leaves even in winter. The category includes a few broadleaf species like holly, but most members are conifers.
The primary characteristics that unite conifers are needle leaves and the presence of seed cones. Conifers come in huge sizes, from ground covers to conical-shaped trees well over 100 feet tall. They can also add color to the garden with hues like blue-green, gray, silver, and yellow. These fascinating plants offer a slew of benefits to the garden, including wildlife habitat, wind protection, year-round privacy, topiary, and exceptional shade.
As a wildlife habitat, Foster Holly and evergreens offer thick cover primarily for nesting birds. Dense evergreens like blue spruce, eastern red cedar, or Douglas fir help to camouflage nests from threats like crows.
The same cover protects birds and squirrels from cold winds in winter. Evergreens shelter animals from solid winds, protecting the more expansive garden. Evergreens' ability to function as windbreaks can benefit the garden, shielding weaker plants from being beaten down in high winds. Species that perform exceptionally well include Colorado blue spruce, Black Hills spruce, Norway spruce, and Canaan fir.
The dense thicket supplied by tall, columnar evergreens like arborvitae can block prying eyes as quickly as it blocks the wind. Eastern red cedar is another species that forms a relatively solid mass. This quality is also suitable for noise control.
The towering spires the arborvitae create are attractive, but topiary pruning can enhance their appearance. Typically, hollies and yews are considered the top choices for topiary.
Finally, the dense shade created by Foster Holly and evergreens can benefit the garden by keeping the ground below moist for long periods. Like creeping juniper, plants growing next to evergreen ground covers can tap into this extra water source.
