Yaupon Holly Kathy Ann

Yaupon Holly is an evergreen tree native southern evergreen with a lot of charm. Its fine-textured, oval green leaves create a lush backdrop year-round, while clusters of brilliant red berries in fall and winter offer vibrant seasonal color. Growing 20 feet in height and 15 feet in width, its dense habit makes it a great choice for informal hedges, privacy screening, or as a centerpiece in a native bed.

• Evergreen tree
• Multi-Trunk
• Fast growth rate
• Red berries add winter interest
• Evergreen foliage with a soft, natural look
• Can be shaped into a hedge, screen, or small tree

Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. Hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9, Yaupon Holly is a dependable favorite that brings beauty and classic southern charm to any landscape. Whether grown as a large shrub or trimmed into a multi-trunked tree, Yaupon is versatile and easygoing - tolerating drought, heat, salt, and poor soils with grace.

With thoughtful early care, Yaupon Holly Kathy Ann becomes a stunning focal-point evergreen that offers year-round structure, movement, and beauty with minimal maintenance:

• Watering: Water deeply and consistently during the first 2-3 years to help establish a strong root system capable of supporting its arching, pendulous form. Once established, ‘Kathy Ann’ becomes highly drought-tolerant and requires supplemental watering only during extended dry spells.
• Pruning: Pruning needs are low thanks to its naturally weeping, artistic shape. Light pruning in late winter can refine the silhouette by removing crossing, damaged, or excessively long stems, but heavy shaping is unnecessary.
• Fertilizing: This cultivar thrives in average soils and typically needs only minimal fertilization once mature. If foliage appears pale or growth slows, apply a light, slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to support fresh growth and enhance vigor.
• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch mulch ring around the base to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition. Keep mulch slightly away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup and refresh annually to maintain soil health.
• Winter Care: ‘Kathy Ann’ is highly cold-hardy and retains its evergreen foliage well through winter. In unusually harsh conditions, slight leaf bronzing may occur but quickly corrects itself with spring warmth.

While notably resilient, ‘Kathy Ann’ may experience a few minor issues during times of stress, high humidity, or poor drainage:

• Leaf Spot: Brown or purplish spots develop during prolonged wet weather. Remove affected leaves and improve airflow to discourage fungal spread.
• Scale Insects: Small, shell-like bumps on stems or leaves cause yellowing and thinning foliage. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to suppress populations.
• Spider Mites: Fine stippling, slight webbing, and dull foliage occur during hot, dry spells. Rinse foliage or apply horticultural oil to restore healthy color.
• Sooty Mold: Black, powdery residue forms due to honeydew from insects like aphids. Address the underlying pests and clean foliage to restore appearance.
• Root Rot: Sudden wilting and yellowing appear when soil remains waterlogged. Improve drainage and adjust watering to protect root health.