Harnett County Center
A HOLLY FOR EVERY OCCASION!, 11/6/98
Although not as rare as blue roses, a landscape without a holly would be difficult to find. There are literally hundreds of different varieties. And with few exceptions, there is a holly for almost every landscape function you can think of.
FOUNDATION SHRUBS
Houses without foundation shrubs are few and far between, and hollies are one of the more common plants for this purpose. Helleri, one of the Japanese hollies which resemble boxwoods, is probably the most common. Two more Japanese hollies, Compacta and Convexa, are also popular shrubs for this purpose.
These Japanese hollies, however, are quite susceptible to root rot and nematodes. They should not be planted in areas of moist soil or poor drainage, such as near a downspout. There are, however, some good substitutes which are resistant to these problems, such as the Chinese and Yaupon hollies.
The Chinese varieties suitable for foundation plantings include Dwarf Burford (5 to 6 feet), Rotunda (4 to 5 feet), and Carissa (3 to 4 feet). These varieties have the classic prickly leaves and red berries commonly associated with hollies.
If the boxwood look is more your style, the Dwarf Yaupon may be just the thing for you. It is a North Carolina native with few pest problems. Although many hollies will tolerate shade, this one requires full sun.
SCREENS AND HEDGEROWS
Another common element in many landscapes is a hedgerow or visual screen. Leyland Cypress is probably the most popular plant for this function.
But the holly family has many excellent candidates for this job, such as the hybrid Foster's holly. This is another of the hollies with glossy, prickly leaves, and bright red berries.
The 'Nellie R. Stevens' holly, another hybrid, makes an excellent screen shrub. It is fast growing and will tolerate a severe pruning if it grows too big for your taste (easily reaches 20 to 30 feet or more!). Another berry producer, the birds will thank you for planting it.
Among the Chinese hollies, the Burford (non-dwarf variety), is another screen shrub candidate, reaching 10 to 15 feet in height.
SPECIMEN PLANTS
Another common landscape element is the specimen plant, that striking plant that becomes a focal point. And once again, there are some excellent hollies available to fullfill that need.
The native Weeping Yaupon, related to the Dwarf Yaupon mentioned above, excels at being the center of attention. Its graceful arching branches, evergreen foliage, and striking winter berry display provide a four season focal point in the landscape.
The Foster's holly mentioned above can also serve this "focal point" function. Its loose pyramidal shape is quite attractive.
And for a real conversation starter, consider the Winterberry varieities. Another group of North Carolina natives, these deciduous hollies lose their leaves in the winter, leaving a striking berry display all winter long.
And since I've only covered a handful of the possibilities, the wonderful world of hollies is still full of discoveries.
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