Foster Hybrid Holly, Topel Holly
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size of generally 15-30' tall, 10-20' wide, with a narrow to pyramidal to conical form and compact growth, but all this is highly variable depending on selection. Fast growing.

Native Range

U.S. Native — Represents a group of interspecific hybrids between Ilex cassine x Ilex opaca. This occurs naturally where the plants occur natively together in the far SE U.S. (found in the wild in Florida in 1924), and is also nursery-controlled.

Flower and Fruit Details

Small, white, April-May flowers. Flowers are dioecious, but female plants are parthenocarpic, meaning "virgin fruit", and require no male for pollination, perhaps because this is already a hybrid of two different hollies. Showy, pea-sized red fruits (berry-like drupes) persist over the winter, Songbirds are attracted to the fruits. Fruits borne on cymes of 2-3 fruits.

Leaf and Bark Features

Evergreen: Broadleaf evergreen, with alternate, simple, 3" entire or upper-toothed leaves. Attenuate, shiny evergreen leaves, typically 1.5"-3" long, alternately arranged with spiny points on top half, or mostly entire margined.

Culture and Care

Full sun to partial shade, range of soil types. Considerable pruning needed for compact plants. Medium water needs. Zones 6-9. Does best in moist, acid, well-drained soils. Protect from cold winter winds. Avoid poorly-drained soils. Mulch over root zone. Very susceptible to spittlebugs.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

More deer-resistant than some of the other hollies. Good wildlife value. 4-season interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter Not extremely tolerant of harsh, cold, windy winter weather. Several named selections of this hybrid are popular in the trade, especially the "Foster" series.

Suggested Uses

Used as a foundation plant, hedge, small shade tree and as a specimen plant.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA