A mixture of plants such as small flowering trees, ev-ergreen trees and shrubs creates great eye appeal and will ensure against a total loss if there is a disease or insect problem with one of the species. There are cultivars available with characteristics such variegated leaves ('Monvila-Gold Coast') or golden/apricot fruit ('Apricot Glow'). And a few tools you might need to plant (or trim) your new privacy trees: A shovel. It is a small tree or shrub with striking evergreen foliage that's perfect for a privacy hedge. The common winterberry shrub will provide a vibrant pop of color in your winter landscape, thanks to the abundance of scarlet berries. Most cultivars of the inkberry produce black fruit on the female plants, though 'Ivory Queen' and 'Leucocarpa' have white fruit. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Among other common names used for this plant: evergreen winterberry, inkberry holly, gallberry, and bitter gallberry. 13, no. This widespread plant has several common names, including Christmas holly, common holly, Oregon holly, and European holly.. Plant each Nellie Stevens Holly 5 to 6 feet apart for a living wall that gives you complete privacy, no holes and no gaps. To start, walk around and pinpoint the view you want to hide, then be precise about placement of your privacy trees: Move them around, forward and back, right and left, to determine what provides the best screening. For smaller spaces, go with a tree like the Sky Pencil Holly. They allow one to drink the tea without sipping up bits of leaves. On the species plant, three of the spiny lobes stick up and look like horns. It has three varieties: Ilex cassine  var. You can create new plants through seed germination. On the species plant, three of the spiny lobes stick up and look like horns. This is the classic holly … Site Selection. It may produce suckers and spread through your yard.. The name horned holly comes from the shape of the leaves. Like the inkberry, the fruit on this species is purple-black. They are similar in appearance with spiny-toothed leaves and an abundance of red berries. Chinese holly, also known as horned holly, is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can be planted as part of a drought-tolerant landscape. If you live near a seashore, choose this yaupon holly as it tolerates salt well. Evergreens are great for reducing noise, … Holly trees and shrubs fall within the Ilex genus of plants—the only genus of the Aquifoliaceae family. There are about 480 deciduous and evergreen species within this genus, including trees, shrubs, and climbing lianas. Here are 18 of the most common types of holly plants. Children can develop symptoms after swallowing as few as two holly berries. 'Golden Gem' is a variegated cultivar that garnered the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. While a row of trees does provide screening, you can achieve the same goal by planting a cluster of trees or by layering plantings, with taller plants in back and shrubs, grasses, and other perennials in front. More about us. They prefer dappled shade. Holly plants respond well to pruning and many types may be pruned into topiary or green fences. Here then are ten excellent tall shrubs to consider when landscaping for privacy. All holly berries are at least somewhat toxic if eaten, so consider this if planting them in a spot accessible to small children. These are generally not deadly plants, but holly is regarded as mildly or moderately toxic; health professionals may choose to induce vomiting if a substantial number of berries have been eaten. Chainsaw … Varieties to try: North Pole, Degroot’s Spire. It's a moderate grower that doesn't require much pruning. Hollies can also be planted individually as ornamental trees, accenting gardens and entryways. Chinese holly, also known as horned holly, is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can be planted as part of a drought-tolerant landscape. The leaves on this species do not have spines. It also serves as a drought-tolerant tree. Tools. Arbs that grow in columnar or pyramidal form range from a few feet to more than 30 feet tall. University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources Plant Database, Ilex Ambigua. Vanessa Richins Myers is a seasoned horticulturist, garden writer and educator with 10+ years of experience in the horticulture and gardening space. The two species most often used for holiday decorations are the American holly (Ilex opaca) and the English holly (Ilex aquifolium).. This species needs to be grown in soil that is acidic. angustifolia and I. cassine var. The foliage is used in China to brew a tea. This award winning tree is disease and pest resistant, and forms a hedge when planted between 4 and 5 feet apart. This is the classic holly type associated with the holidays, with sharp pointy leaves and red berries that create an impenetrable living wall. They’re great for even the coldest climates. Lower branches of holly … It is also known by the common names Kurogane holly and Kurogane-mochi.. If you only have room for one American holly tree, look for the 'Croonenburg' variety. If you have a location that tends to be a bit wetter than most plants like, consider hunting down a dahoon holly, also known as cassena. This species is called long-stalked holly because the fruit is found at the end of a long stalk called a peduncle. They range from tall to very tall, and all are easy to grow, durable, and fuss-free. The blue hollies or Meserve hollies (Ilex x meserveae) resulted from crossing this species with Tsuru holly (Ilex rugosa). Junipers come in many different sizes and forms with colors ranging from blue-green to gold. To start, walk around and pinpoint the view you want to hide, then be precise about placement of your privacy trees: Move them around, forward and back, right and left, to determine what provides the best screening. … American Holly. Some botanists also consider the myrtle-leaved holly to be a variety of this species. Other common names for Carolina holly include possum holly and ambiguous winterberry.. This holly is a good choice for urban locations since it is able to handle pollution and salt.. This plant can become invasive if you do not prune away the suckers.. The fruit is a source of food for migratory birds. Some varieties, such as Pinky Winky, can be pruned into tree form. … The berries are not as bright as those on other species, though they still add color during wintertime. Want privacy in your yard without a big brown fence getting in the way? And they require minimal care, growing in a variety of climates and resisting mildew, … Any of our Privacy Trees are ideal for providing a green screen, windbreak, and more, but your ideal pick will depend on the space you have. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board, Ilex Glabra (Appalachian Tea, Gallberry, Inkberry), Survivors: the A-Bombed Trees of Hiroshima, Metabolic, Satiety, and Mood State Effects at Rest and during Prolonged Exercise. An elegant tree with attractive red bark, cryptomeria can be used as a specimen or to create privacy… They’re extremely cold-hardy, and some types tolerate part shade. Nellie Stevens Holly: A mix between a Chinese and English Holly, this medium tree is one of our most popular privacy hedges. Some botanists consider this to be a variety of the dahoon holly (Ilex cassine) and the two are said to cross sometimes. Pretty fern-like needles and graceful limbs make this an attractive low-maintenance plant. Some studies suggest that there may be health benefits offered by the plant and it is traditionally used in alternative medicine worldwide.. This plant has a number of other common names, including hummock holly, dune holly, and scrub holly. 9, no. University of West Alabama Plant Atlas, Ilex Verticillata - Common Winterberry. The foliage of the round leaf holly does not have spines. This species also carries the common names of azevinho and acebiño. Newer types are cold-tolerant. Nutrients, vol. Japanese holly is considered to be invasive in some areas. Holiday Plants with Toxic Misconceptions. Like the long-stalked holly, the red fruit is found at the end of long stems called peduncles. The fruit produced is black and not as distinct as others in the genus. You’ll get the bonus of gorgeous flowers that last from early summer to late fall; the dried flower heads remain for winter interest too. Read our, American Holly and Other Great Hollies for Winter, 29 Shrubs That Grow in Full or Partial Shade, 12 Common Species of Magnolia Trees and Shrubs, 9 Recommended Species of Serviceberry Trees and Shrubs, 9 Species of Fig (Ficus) Trees for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening, 40 Species of Pines From Around the World, 10 Species of Linden Trees for Your Landscape, 12 Common Species of Willow Trees and Shrubs. When someone mentions holly, especially in conjunction with Christmas, they often mean English holly. Carolina holly is one of the deciduous species of holly. Bright red fruits are produced in the fall, though they tend to fall off easily, which makes them less visually interesting in the winter. (Many plants have a wide range of zones. By planting privacy trees you get the best of both worlds–fresh, green landscaping that doubles as a hideaway. Arricca SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. Admired for its glossy green foliage year-round, and the radiant red berries … Whether you want to hide that not-so-nice view of your neighbor’s garbage cans or create privacy for your deck or patio, plants are the answer! North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, Ilex Pedunculosa Missouri Botanical Garden, Plant Finder, Conti, Mandy, and David Petersen. Pay attention to size at maturity, too; what looks fine now may outgrow the space and crowd your house, sidewalk or deck in a few years. If you want to go big, … 3 Gal. Hollies are also especially fast-growing, with Nellie Stevens Holly topping the list at 3 feet per year. Once you find the branches you’re going to prune, gradually cut them off starting from the … Determine the type of tree that best suits your needs. Holly trees, scientifically known as Ilex, are handsome evergreens ideal for use as a specimen or in groupings, in straight or staggered rows to create a dense privacy screen, wind block or noise buffer, … The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Also called by their scientific name “ilex opaca,” American Holly is native to south … This species does well in wet areas and its native habitats are places like bogs or swamps. There is also a female version with yellow fruit, labeled I. opaca f. xanthocarpa. They’re hardy and fast-growing, making them an excellent choice for hedges. The foliage contains caffeine and theobromine, which are also found in cacao beans. Varieties to try: Dandyman Color Wheel, Raise the Roof Huskymania. This shrub likes areas that are moist. You’ll need both “male” and “female” plant types so that berries will form. Since some of the plants … Other common names for this plant include: dahoon, myrtle dahoon, myrtle holly, and myrtleleaf holly. Its familiar shape is the one used to adorn Christmas decorations and inspire songs. This is another of the deciduous holly species, and it handles cold better than some of the other species. It can grow well in sandy soils, leading to another of the plant's common names—sand holly. One of the most resilient trees, the … The name horned holly comes from the shape of the leaves. The opposite of a mixed border is typically a straight row of Leyland Cypress, and while useful, it's pretty dull. 538–542., doi:10.5811/westjem.2012.8.12572, Ilex Opaca - American Holly. You’ll need to prune to create a tree form, but it’s fast-growing—up to 25 feet tall! If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. American Holly Trees can be trimmed as a foundation hedge or as a secure, tall privacy fence. Although many species can reach upwards 50 feet, many landscapers choose to prune the tree to a more manageable height. Varieties to try: Blue Princess (female) and Blue Prince (male), Castle Spire (female) and Castle Wall (male). This tree is one of the species that quickly returned after the Hiroshima bombing in 1945—a testament to its tenacity. In 1939, American holly was named as the state tree of Delaware. It also boasts pretty fall color. It would make them vomit, leading to the species name and the other common name of emetic holly., Tea made from this plant is traditionally placed inside a gourd and served with a metal straw in South America. They’re pretty accent trees, but they work equally well as a screen or windbreak, planted in clusters. Many hollies provide wildlife forage but are poisonous when consumed by humans. 8, 2017, p. 882., doi:10.3390/nu9080882. These fast-growing privacy trees are often pruned as hedges, blocking out unwanted noise and intrusions. These small trees are naturally found in swampy areas. 'Sky Pencil' is a fastigiate cultivar—one with erect, parallel branches—that can be used to create a living fence. Look for varieties with a vertical or roughly pyramidal shape to create screening. The American Holly (Ilex opaca) also called the White Holly or Christmas Holly, is the most familiar holly. Thuja Green Giant (Arborvitae) – A Fast Growing Privacy Tree. Most don’t need shearing to maintain their shape. Most Holly … A living wall is more appealing than a fence, and it provides shelter and food for birds and other wildlife. The happy face spider plant (Theridion grallator) likes to live on this plant. This is an excellent choice for a pruned privacy hedge. The catberry used to be known as Nemopanthus mucronatus, but it is now classified as part of the Ilex genus. Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, meaning it prefers a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. Don't worry, you can have your secret garden, or at least some privacy, by … While hydrangea is technically a shrub, several types are fast-growers and provide excellent cover, especially when planted as a border. As a young tree, cryptomeria has a very dense, full growth that begins to open up into a more irregular, graceful form with age. As the name suggests, this species of holly is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, where it may be called ʻAiea, kāwaʻu, kä‘awa‘u, or Hawai'i holly. 6, 2012, pp. This defensive hedge has spiky evergreen leaves that helps deter intruders … Prune to achieve a spreading multi-trunk display; it will screen up to 15 feet wide or more at maturity. When to Prune Holly Shrubs Inspect your tree for any intersecting, damaged, diseased, or dead branches. Compact Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata) – Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy (alexandreostyanko/123rf.com) The Compact Japanese Holly is a remarkable substitute for boxwood … Country Living editors select each product featured. Layering also is a good idea because planting a “monoculture” (that is, all one kind of tree) leaves you vulnerable if diseases or pests affect your trees, causing holes in the line if just one tree dies, for example. If you only have room for one holly plant, there are cultivars that are able to produce fruit without pollination from a second plant, in a process called parthenogenesis. Most holly shrubs and trees prefer a full-sun to light-shade location with moist soil that drains well. The berries contain a caffeine-like alkaloid, and swallowing them can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and drowsiness. This shrubby tree features clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring, which become deep purple berries that are good for jam (or to share with the birds). American holly is often used as a substitute for English holly (Ilex aquifolium) in Christmas decorations where the latter does not grow well. Here are some of our favorite trees for privacy in your backyard, and some large shrubs too. Varieties to try: Wells’ Weeper, Baby Blue, Your Christmas Dessert Table Needs These Recipes. University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Gardening Solutions, Yerba Maté (Ilex Paraguariensis) Metabolic, Satiety, and Mood State Effects at Rest and during Prolonged Exercise. Varieties to try: Gin Fizz, Hetzii Columnaris. Common Holly bushes (Ilex aquifolium) — Thorny evergreen shrub that makes an excellent privacy hedge. In practice, each plant is only harvested every other year so that it retains enough leaves for proper growth. These conifers come in an array of sizes from dwarf to gigantic, and they’re extremely cold-hardy. This holly species can be used to create topiaries. Golden Oakland Holly Tree with Pyramidal Yellow and Green Variegated Foliage The Golden Oakland Holly Tree is a fantastic The Golden Oakland Holly Tree is a fantastic upright holly from the … It is able to pollinate itself because it has male and female flowers on the same plant. If you prefer yellow fruit, choose the 'Canary' variety. Some hollies are endemic and only found in limited areas. Learn more about what trees and shrubs would make the best privacy … This plant is also known by alternative common names: mountain holly or cat berry. Read the label to make sure you have room for the variety you’re considering. There are many varieties of holly that provide excellent privacy in the yard. 20 Fence Ideas to Add Charm to Any Backyard, 12 DIY Backyard Storage Ideas That Will Beautify Your Backyard, 10 Timeless Hall Trees You Can Hang Your Hat On, Unicorn Christmas Trees for a Magical Holiday. The rapid growth rate may come with weaker than normal root and branch … The alternative common name box-leaved holly is sometimes used for Japanese holly because the leaves look like those of boxwood shrubs. The leaves on this tree are like those of the myrtle (Myrtus communis), inspiring the common and species names. Finally, make sure to read the plant label to ensure it will thrive in your USDA Hardiness zone. University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources Plant Database, Ilex Glabra (Appalachian Tea, Gallberry, Inkberry). The new tree will be ready for foliage use in a few years. The small-leaved holly comes from a couple of islands near the north African coast and grows in a type of forest called laurisilva or laurel forest. Many (though not all) species of holly have distinctive glossy green leaves that feature either spiny teeth or serrated edges. It matures to a height of 50’ – 60’ and a spread of 20’ – 40’. 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