Topal Holly Ilex x attenuata 'Savannah'
Other plants called Topal Holly:
- Phonetic Spelling
- EYE-leks at-ten-yoo-AY-tuh
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Ilex x attenuata is a naturally growing evergreen shrub or small tree that is a hybrid cross of I. cassine (Dahoon) and I. opaca (American Holly). It was initially found growing wild in Florida in the 1920s, but is now found throughout the southeastern United States where both parents are native. Unlike the conical form of its I. x attenuata parent, the 'Savannah' cultivar has a narrow, columnar to open pyramidal form. It was discovered by W. H. Robertson, Commissioner of Parks in Savannah, Georgia. It typically grows as a 20 to 30 foot tree, 15 feet wide. The 4 inch long leaves are sparsely-spined, light green, elliptic to ovate, broad and paper thin. Abundant, pea-sized, red fruits appear in fall and persist over winter. The greenish-white spring flowers are inconspicuous. ‘Savannah’ is a very popular landscape plant and makes a great landscape choice.
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. 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 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, female plants will need a nearby male pollinator. Plants can suffer from the cold in USDA Zone 5 and below.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 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. Insects can include holly leaf miner, spider mites, scale, whitefly, and spittlebugs.
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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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Ilex
- Species:
- cassine x opaca
- Family:
- Aquifoliaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Distribution:
- Southeastern United States
- Fire Risk Rating:
- low flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- Winter food sources for birds and wildlife. Fruits are attractive to birds. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi.
- Play Value:
- Colorful
- Shade
- Textural
- Wildlife Food Source
- Edibility:
- Use caution. Human consumption of berries can cause minor toxic reaction.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Columnar
- Pyramidal
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
- Appendage:
- Thorns
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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)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- 12-24 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6a, 6b, 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:
- Birds are attracted to the fruit. The plant produces an abundance of showy, florescent, red fruit that provides ornamental interest in fall and winter.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Green
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Insignificant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The green-white flowers in spring on new growth are inconspicuous.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Prickly
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Light green leaves are up to 4 inches long, broad, and paper thin. Provide winter interest.
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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:
- Lawn
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Vertical Spaces
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Hedge
- Screen/Privacy
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Pollution
- Problems:
- Spines/Thorns
