Cooler weather is here. Now is a great time to plant evergreen shrubs in the landscape. The most common foundation shrub is the Japanese hollies such as 'Helleri' and 'Compacta'. Unfortunately, Japanese hollies develop many root rot diseases especially if water from the roof or downspout drains where they are planted. An alterative for Japanese Holly is Ilex vomitoria 'Nana', Dwarf Yaupon Holly which is resistant to root rot diseases. Resistant means that the plant is less likely to get the disease but not immuned.

Dwarf Yaupon Holly is a dwarf compact form with slightly smaller leaves than the straight species. It can fruit but usually the fruit is hidden by the dense branches. It's new growth is a rich yellow-green. It grows 3-5 feet high and slightly wider. It makes a mounded cushion without pruning.

The specimen in the Wilson Display Garden is Ilex vomitoria 'Pendula', Weeping Yaupon Holly. This plant gets 20-25 feet tall.

In general, all Yaupon Hollies have a medium to fast growth rate. It is easily transplanted and adaptable to a variety of soils from dry to wet. It is tolerant of salt spray and therefore can be planted at the coast. They are quite hardy in Wilson and to the south. Yaupon hollies are relatively free of insects and disease problems.

The straight species, Yaupon Holly, grows 15-20 feet in height and usually less in spread. It grows upright and forms a small tree. It's new growth has a purplish tinge which quickly turns into s glossy deep green. If fertilized it can grow 2 to 3 feet per year. The bark is white to gray and quite beautiful. You can limb up the tree forms to show off the bark. On female plants the fruits are scarlet in color with large quantities and persist into spring, quite a beautiful site to see.

Depending upon which cultivar you use, they can be planted in the landscape as hedges, specimens, barriers, espaliers, mass, foundation, and topiary plantings.

Ilex vomitoria received it's name from the Indians who used the leaves to make a drink which induce vomiting to cleanse them from impurities of the body and soul.

Come out and see the Wilson Display Garden this fall from dawn until dusk at 1806 S. Goldsboro Street. Gardening questions can be answered on Mondays and Fridays from 1 until 3 PM by calling 237-0113.

Date Created: 12/06/00.