Screen Play Holly
Ilex x ‘Screen Play’Local DFW Delivery Only
Product Details
Screen Play Holly
Ilex x ‘Screen Play’Screen Play Holly is an evergreen tree that lives up to its name delivering a strong, structured form perfect for blocking views and creating privacy in style. With its narrow, upright habit and deep green evergreen leaves, this holly forms a living wall that’s both elegant and functional. It grows 25 feet in height and only 10 feet in width, making it perfect for tight spaces. Its lush foliage is dense from top to bottom, providing year-round coverage for property lines or patios.
- Evergreen tree
- Fast growth rate with naturally narrow and upright habit
- Evergreen foliage offers year-round privacy
- Excellent for property borders and hedges
- Tolerates sun, partial shade, and a variety of soils
Plant in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9, Screen Play Holly is a go-to solution for creating instant structure, long-term privacy, and polished curb appeal in Texas' yards.
Once established, Screen Play Holly requires minimal maintenance and remains attractive year-round. This is all you need to know to help it grow beautifully:
- Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help the plant develop a deep and dependable root system. After establishment, Screen Play Holly becomes moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with occasional deep watering during extended heat or dry weather.
- Pruning: Prune lightly once or twice a year to maintain its clean, columnar form. The best time for structural pruning is late winter or early spring ,before new growth emerges. Remove crossing branches, interior clutter, and any suckers that develop at the base. For hedges, light shaping is fine, but avoid heavy shearing that can reduce berry production and limit airflow.
- Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for broadleaf evergreens. Healthy plants often require only a single annual feeding. If leaves appear yellowish or washed out, apply an acid-forming fertilizer or iron supplement to correct nutrient deficiencies related to alkaline soil.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone each spring. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature throughout the year. Keep mulch several inches away from the base of the stems to prevent moisture buildup and rot.
- Winter Care: Screen Play Holly is fully evergreen and cold-hardy, maintaining its deep green foliage throughout winter. In climates prone to sudden cold snaps or winter wind, a layer of mulch around the base provides extra protection for younger plants. Water deeply before freezing to reduce winter leaf scorch.
- Leaf Yellowing: Common in alkaline soils or poorly draining conditions. Apply an iron supplement or soil acidifier to restore deep green color and improve nutrient uptake.
- Scale Insects: These appear as small bumps on stems and leaves. Treat with horticultural oil during dormancy or with insecticidal soap during active growth.
- Spider Mites: Can occur in hot, dry weather, causing stippled or dusty-looking foliage. Rinse foliage with water and apply neem oil if needed.
- Root Rot: Caused by excessive moisture or poor drainage. Ensure well-draining soil and avoid watering too frequently.
- Leaf Drop: May occur temporarily after transplanting or stress. Maintain consistent watering and mulch to help stabilize the plant.
It typically reaches 15-20 feet tall, forming a dense, upright structure ideal for privacy screens, windbreaks, and tall hedging applications.
Growth is moderate to fast, averaging 1-2 feet per year once established. Regular watering during the first few seasons significantly enhances its early growth rate.
Yes - female plants produce bright red berries in fall and winter when a male pollinator holly is nearby. The berries add excellent seasonal color and attract birds.
Yes, deer generally avoid hollies due to their tough, spiny leaves, making them dependable options for landscapes prone to browsing.
Extremely well. This holly thrives in hot, humid climates and maintains its color and density throughout summer with minimal stress.
Yes. Once established, Screen Play Holly withstands frost and winter weather reliably, maintaining evergreen foliage through the coldest months.
Absolutely. It responds well to light shaping and is commonly used for formal or natural hedges. For best results, prune lightly once or twice a year to maintain an even, vertical structure.
Yes, it adapts well to partial shade, though the densest foliage and best berry production occur in full sun to light shade conditions.
Yes. It tolerates pollution, reflected heat, compacted soils, and limited planting spaces, making it an excellent choice for city plantings, parking lots, and large commercial landscapes needing tough evergreen structure.
A single structural pruning session in late winter is usually sufficient, with optional light touch-ups during the growing season. Avoid removing too much new growth if you want maximum berry display.
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Screen Play Holly This plant | ||
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ilex x ‘Screen Play’ | Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii' |
| Size at Maturity | 25' H x 10' W | 15' H x 10' W |
| Leaf Retention | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Sizes Available | 15, 30, 45 gal | 15, 45 gal |
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