Topal Holly Ilex x attenuata

Ilex x attenuata, or Topal Holly, 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 1920's, but is now found throughout the southeastern United States where both parents are native. Topal Holly has a conical form and, unless pruned, matures to 12 to 25 feet tall or more. The Topal Holly has generated a number of cultivars, many of which have different common names (for example, the I. x attenuata 'Fosteri' cultivar is commonly called the Foster Holly). The hybrid cultivars grow in a variety of different forms and habits from the Topal Holly, but generally share the following traits: spiny, elliptic to obovate-lanceolate evergreen leaves (to 3 inches long) with attenuated bases, insignificant greenish-white spring flowers and showy, pea-sized, red fruits that persists over winter. The fruits provide an ornamental winter interest and attract birds.

Genus name, Ilex, comes from the Latin name Quercus ilex for holm oak in reference to the foliage similarities. The hybrid name attenuata means narrowing to a point, in reference to the growth habit of this hybrid.

The Topal Holly is 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.

Disease, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Insect problems include holly leaf miner, spittlebugs, spider mites, whitefly and scale. Susceptible to leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot and powdery mildew, leaf drop, leaf scorch and chlorosis (yellowing of leaves in high pH soils).