Koehne Holly Ilex x koehneana 'Martha Berry'
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Koehne Holly:
- Phonetic Spelling
- EYE-leks ko-NEE-ah-na
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Ilex x koehneana is a cross between I. aquifolium x I. latifolia that results in a broadleaf evergreen holly tree that grows up to 20 feet or more, depending on location. The 'Martha Berry' cultivar ranks among the best of the species. It is a hardy plant with a pyramidal form that is compact, dense, well-shaped, and pleasing to the eye. The dark green leaves along with the brilliant red berries add to its attractiveness. Locate in an area that is protected from cold winter winds and hot summer sun.
Hollies are dioecious (meaning individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if fruit is required). 'Martha Berry' is a female holly and requires a male pollinator nearby to produce berries. According to the Holly Society of America, there are a number of koehneana male cultivars that can provide pollination; 'Loch Raven', 'Jade', 'Chieftain', and 'Ajax' have foliage and a habit very similar to 'Martha Berry', and bloom at the right time. 'Loch Raven', in particular, matches the leaf size and shape of 'Martha Berry' and the leaves of both are deep green.
'Martha Berry' tolerates most soils except poorly-drained ones and can be grown in full to partial sun. It is tolerant of heat and humidity and is drought tolerant once established. Prune in the late winter to control its size if needed. Mature plants do not tolerate root disturbance, so it is best to site the plant in its permanent position, preferably one that provides winter protection for the first year or two.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:
Not as cold hardy as 'Nellie R. Stevens'. Insects that may affect this plant are holly leaf miner, spider mites, whitefly, and scale. Leaf drop and leaf scorch may be an issue. Yellowing of the leaves due to high pH soils can also affect the plant.
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.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Ilex
- Species:
- I. aquifolium x I. latifolia
- Family:
- Aquifoliaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Wildlife Value:
- Fruits are attractive to birds. Flowers attract bees. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi.
- Play Value:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Screening
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Deer damage
- Edibility:
- Use caution. Berries are slightly toxic to humans if eaten in quantity.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 18 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Pyramidal
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- 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
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Showy
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Winter
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Drupe
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Clusters of brilliant red fruit are persistent. Requires an appropriate male plant nearby to produce fruit.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Green
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Insignificant
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The small, greenish-white, flowers bloom in the spring.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves are 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches long, dark, olive to almost blue-green and slightly wavy.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Lawn
- Slope/Bank
- Landscape Theme:
- Pollinator Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Barrier
- Border
- Foundation Planting
- Hedge
- Mass Planting
- Screen/Privacy
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
