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Ilex 'Savannah'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
EYE-leks
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

'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:
Tags:
#evergreen#small tree#drought tolerant#white flowers#nectar plant#winter interest#slopes#showy fruits#specialized bees#fast growing#deer resistant#red fruits#screening#pollinator plant#holly#fantz#evergreen shrub#evergreen tree#border back#walkway planting#bird friendly#winter color red#bee friendly#winter fruits#lawn planting#coastal plant#barrier#hedge#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#small tree#drought tolerant#white flowers#nectar plant#winter interest#slopes#showy fruits#specialized bees#fast growing#deer resistant#red fruits#screening#pollinator plant#holly#fantz#evergreen shrub#evergreen tree#border back#walkway planting#bird friendly#winter color red#bee friendly#winter fruits#lawn planting#coastal plant#barrier#hedge#wildlife friendly
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Light Gray
    Surface/Attachment:
    Smooth
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • 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
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Minor toxicity. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other illness in humans.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Saponins
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Fruits