Foster Holly Ilex x attenuata Foster Hybrid Group

The Foster hybrids are a group of cultivars of Ilex x attenuata and member of the holly family (Aquifoliaceae). They are evergreen shrubs or small trees with a fine texture and a dense, slender, conical or pyramidal shape. This cultivar is one of a group of seedlings that were selected by E.E. Foster of Foster Nursery in Bessemer, Alabama in the 1940s and 50s. 

Foster hollies 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. You should 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 the winter to maintain a desired size, although keep in mind that the plant flowers are on new growth. Plants can suffer from the cold in USDA Zone 5 and below. This plant is moderately salt tolerant, air pollution tolerant, and mildly resistant to damage by deer. 

Foster hollies are slow-growing and may reach 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide. Its leaves are typically spiny, elliptical, and dark olive green. In the spring, small, fragrant, white flowers emerge. Foster hollies are the rare holly in which female plants produce fruit without fertilization from a male pollinizer. Therefore, it is unnecessary to plant a male pollinizer holly for this cultivar. Abundant, small, pea-sized, orangish-red-to-red fruits ripen in the fall and persist through the winter.

The Foster hollies are ideal for the home landscape as a hedge or screen. It may also be used as a specimen, in small groups, or as foundation plantings. The evergreen foliage and heavy fruit set will add winter interest to your home garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Foster hollies have no serious insect pests or disease problems. Potential insects include holly leafminers, spittlebugs, spider mites, whitefly, and scale. It is susceptible to leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot and powdery mildew, leaf drop, leaf scorch, and chlorosis (yellowing of leaves in high pH soils).

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

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy, and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

More information on Ilex x attenuata.