Savannah holly
Ilex cassine x opaca (EYE-leks ah-TEN-yoo-ah-tah)
'Savannah' is a female cultivar of the natural hybrid Ilex × attenuata . It is a member of the holly family (Aquifoliaceaee). It was discovered by W. H. Robertson, Commissioner of Parks in Savannah, Georgia in the 1960s. 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. Hollies are dioecious (separate male and female plants), so female plants will need a nearby male pollinizer. Plants can suffer from the cold in USDA Zone 5 and below. It typically grows as a 20 to 30-foot tree, 15 feet wide, with a narrow, columnar to open pyramidal form. The 4-inch long leaves are sparsely spined, light green, elliptic to ovate, broad and paper thin. The greenish-white spring flowers are inconspicuous. Abundant, pea-sized, red fruits appear in fall and persist over winter. ‘Savannah’ is a very popular landscape plant and makes a great choice for a pollinator garden or a winter garden, where it can be an accent, screen, or specimen tree. 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 leafminers, spider mites, scale, whitefly and spittlebugs. The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and insect pests. More information on Ilex x attenuata .
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 70 attributes.
How it fits the guild