Savannah Holly Tree Form
Ilex × attenuata ‘Savannah’Local DFW Delivery Only
Product Details
Savannah Holly Tree Form
Ilex × attenuata ‘Savannah’Savannah Holly in tree form adds graceful elegance and enduring structure to any landscape. Its soft, spiny-edged leaves and upright, pyramidal form make this female holly variety a favorite, especially for its abundant clusters of vivid red berries that remain through winter and draw pollinators. Growing to 20 feet in height and 14 feet in width, it maintains lush foliage all year, providing both ornamental appeal and effective screening. Perfect for use as a specimen tree, formal accent, or part of an evergreen privacy border.
- Evergreen tree
- Moderate to fast growth rate
- Bright red berries bring vibrant fall and winter color
- The pyramidal shape creates a stately presence in the landscape
- Great as a focal point or privacy screen
Plant Savannah Holly Tree Form in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. Hardy in USDA zones 6–9, it’s a timeless and dependable choice for adding structure, seasonal interest, and lasting natural beauty to any setting.
As a tree form, Savannah Holly maintains its beauty with relatively simple care once established. This is all you need to know about its maintenance to help it thrive in your landscape:
- Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help the tree develop a deep, stable root system. Once established, Savannah Holly becomes moderately drought-tolerant, but it looks its best with periodic deep watering during hot or extended dry periods.
- Pruning: Tree-form Savannah Hollies require light structural pruning once a year, preferably in late winter or early spring. Remove crossing branches, suckers at the base, and any interior branches that crowd airflow. Maintain the natural pyramidal canopy without heavy shearing - conservative pruning ensures healthier growth and more consistent berry production.
- Fertilizing: Feed in early spring using a slow-release, balanced fertilizer designed for broadleaf evergreens. This supports fresh foliage growth and berry development. If foliage appears pale or yellow-green, apply an acid-forming fertilizer or chelated iron to correct soil alkalinity. Avoid heavy nitrogen feeding, which may produce lush foliage at the expense of berries.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the dripline of the tree to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition. Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot or bark issues. Refresh mulch annually in spring.
- Winter Care: Savannah Holly is evergreen and cold-hardy, though younger trees benefit from an extra layer of mulch around the root zone before winter. Water the tree well before hard freezes to reduce winter desiccation and protect foliage from browning. After ice or snow events, gently remove buildup to prevent limb stress.
- Leaf Yellowing: Often caused by alkaline soil, nutrient imbalance, or poor drainage. Apply iron supplements or soil acidifiers and improve drainage if needed.
- Scale Insects: Appear as small bumps on leaves and stems, causing yellowing and decline. Treat with horticultural oil during dormancy or insecticidal soap during the growing season.
- Spider Mites: More common during hot, dry spells. Rinse foliage with water, increase humidity if possible, and apply neem oil for persistent infestations.
- Root Rot: Typically due to compacted or poorly drained soil. Plant in well-draining conditions and avoid excessive watering.
- Poor Berry Production: Usually tied to inadequate pollination, drought stress, or over-pruning. Ensure a compatible male holly is nearby and prune lightly after berries form.
Tree-form Savannah Hollies typically reach 18-25 feet tall with a naturally narrow, upright shape, making them excellent for vertical accents, entry plantings, or screening in tight spaces.
Growth is moderate, averaging 1-2 feet per year after establishment. Growth becomes fuller and more uniform when the tree receives regular moisture and spring fertilization.
Yes - female trees produce heavy clusters of bright red berries in fall and winter. For best results, ensure a male pollinator holly (such as ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ or ‘Oakland’) is planted within a nearby landscape area.
Mature Savannah Hollies handle heat and moderate drought well, though supplemental deep watering during prolonged dry spells helps maintain rich foliage color and better berry set.
Very much so. Savannah Holly is well-adapted to warm, humid climates and performs reliably throughout the southern U.S., even during long, hot summers.
Yes. It’s hardy and maintains evergreen foliage through winter. Young trees may need protection during unusually hard freezes, but established trees handle cold well.
It tolerates light shade but produces the thickest foliage and heaviest berry crop in full sun. Morning sun with afternoon shade is still acceptable in hotter regions.
Yes - deer typically avoid hollies because of their tough, spiny leaves, making them dependable choices for rural and suburban areas.
A once-yearly structural pruning in late winter is usually enough. Minor touch-ups during the year are fine as long as you avoid removing developing berry clusters.
Absolutely. It tolerates pollution, reflected heat, compacted soils, and limited planting spaces, making it ideal for storefronts, parking lots, medians, and public property.
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Savannah Holly Tree Form This plant | ||
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ilex × attenuata ‘Savannah’ | Ilex × attenuata ‘Savannah’ |
| Size at Maturity | 20' H x 14' W | 20' H x 14' W |
| Leaf Retention | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Sizes Available | 15, 30, 45 gal | 15, 30 gal |
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