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Ilex 'Mary Nell'

Common Name(s):

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EYE-leks
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Ilex "Mary Nell" is a McDaniel evergreen holly hybrid, developed by the Tom Dodd Nursery in Alabama from three Ilex species parents: I. cornuta, is an exceptionally tough and heat-tolerant Japanese Holly, I. pernyi is a common breeding parent with lovely, neat, small foliage, and I. latifolia, or Lusterleaf Holly, is a large-leaved holly whose broad, blue-green leaves are unique and attractive. From these three parents, 'Mary Nell' inherits tough landscape adaptability in the southeast, beautiful large, exceptionally glossy, dark blue-green leaves, a dense, pyramidal to columnar shape, and the tendency to produce prodigious quantities of bright red fruit. This mix of inherited characters translates into a plant with the striking foliage qualities of I. latifolia plus the elegant and refined habit of I. pernyi , the cast-iron landscape performance of I. cornuta, and the fruitfulness of a vigorous hybrid - a tough combination for any other holly to beat. Given these traits, 'Mary Nell' may well outpace 'Nellie Stevens' as a top evergreen holly hybrid for southeastern gardens.

'Mary Nell' matures to 20 to 25 feet in height with a moderately formal pyramidal shape and very dense foliage. It grows well in partial shade, but foliage quality and fruiting will be best in full sun. 'Mary Nell' does well in almost any soil, but prefers well drained moist soil, and is winter hardy throughout the coast and Piedmont regions of the southeast; however, it may suffer in severe mountain winters. Like most evergreen hollies, 'Mary Nell' is easily propagated from hardwood or semi-hardwood cuttings rooted under mist. 'Mary Nell' is most often used as a hedge, foundation plant, or as a specimen plant.

Information provided in part by JC Raulston Arboretum.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known disease or insect problems.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and insect pests.

More information on Ilex latifolia.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#white flowers#pyramidal#low maintenance#spring flowers#winter interest#red fruits#winter fruits#dense growth
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#white flowers#pyramidal#low maintenance#spring flowers#winter interest#red fruits#winter fruits#dense growth
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Ilex
    Family:
    Aquifoliaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southeastern United States
    Wildlife Value:
    Fruit provide winter food; dense foliage provide protection for birds and small mammals.
    Play Value:
    Wildlife Food Source
    Edibility:
    Use caution. Human ingestion of berries can cause minor toxic reaction.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 5 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Erect
    Pyramidal
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Winter
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Description:
    Numerous bright red berries persist through winter and are attractive to wildlife. For best fruiting, site in full sun.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Small, white flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leathery
    Prickly
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Oblong
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Large glossy green leaves with short spines on margins.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Foundation Planting
    Hedge
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Songbirds
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Minor toxicity. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other illness in humans.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Saponins
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Fruits