Ilex 'Savannah'
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- EYE-leks
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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'Savannah' holly is a female evergreen small tree in the Aquifoliaceae (holly) family. It grows up to 30 feet tall and 8 feet wide as it matures with a rapid growth rate. It is loosely pyramidal, upright, and dense when sited in a sunny location, but more open when sited in partial shade. This plant is a heavy fruiter, producing red berries that persist through winter and contrast well with the pale green leaves.
The 'Savannah' holly grows best in acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Although the best fruit production occurs in full sun, these plants do well with some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Site the plant where it can be protected from cold winter winds and the soil is well drained. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and deter weed growth. Prune in winter to maintain a desired size, although keep in mind that the plant flowers on new growth.
Plants are dioecious (separate male and female plants) and, in order to set fruit, this female plant will need a nearby male pollinator. Plants can suffer from the cold in USDA Zone 5 and below. This tree is mildly resistant to damage by deer.
Use in a pollinator or winter interest garden, planted along a slope, lawn area, or walkway. Its mature height works well for the back of a border as a hedge, barrier or screen.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Insects can include holly leaf miner, spider mites, scale, whitefly, and spittlebugs. May be affected by leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot, and powdery mildew. There can also be issues with leaf drop, leaf scorch, and chlorosis.
The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and insect pests.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Ilex
- Family:
- Aquifoliaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Distribution:
- Southeastern United States
- Fire Risk Rating:
- low flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- Fruits are attractive to birds. Flowers attract bees. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi.
- Play Value:
- Buffer
- Wildlife Food Source
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Deer damage
- Edibility:
- Use caution. Human consumption of berries can cause minor toxic reaction.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 25 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Open
- Pyramidal
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
- Appendage:
- Spines
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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)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12-24 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Winter
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Drupe
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Plant produces vivid red globose berries. Fruits can grow solitary or in clusters of 2 or 3. Berries are less than an inch long and wide. They persist into winter and contrast well with the pale green leaves.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Insignificant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- White-green, inconspicuous, solitary flowers that are less than an inch in axils.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leathery
- Prickly
- Smooth
- Waxy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Obovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves are 2 to 3 1/2 inches long. Plant has light, olive green leaves in the summer with 2 to 4 evenly spaced spines on each side starting from the middle to the tip of the leaf. Leaves are alternate, simple, obovate, and less thick than most holly leaves.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Light Gray
- Surface/Attachment:
- Smooth
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Lawn
- Slope/Bank
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Pollinator Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Barrier
- Border
- Hedge
- Mass Planting
- Screen/Privacy
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Urban Conditions