Red Berried
Big Mack
The “Big Mack” holly, Ilex opaca, is a bold robust American Holly. Its medium dark green foliage is strongly highlighted with an abundance of brilliant red berries. It grows medium fast when young slowing down as it matures. Foliage is dense and the tree form is a rounded upright form. It is a picture of the holiday season holly.
We have chosen the hollies here from a large diverse planting. Our selections were made based on the best trees for leaf color, foliage density, berry set, form, and overall health. We observe these trees mid winter for good persistent green color through the winter months.
Cave Hill #2
The Cave Hill #2 Holly was selected from trees growing in the famous Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville Kentucky. This American Holly, Ilex opaca, was chosen for its good form, lustrous foliage and brilliant red berries. This selection is widely grown. Cave Hill #2 has a dense growth pattern. The trees are full, dark green with a heavy berry set. All female hollies benefit from having a male nearby.
Klein 10-26
Klein 10-26 is an American Holly selected by Theodore Klein for its healthy dark green foliage and bright red berries. The tree is nicely shaped and holds its color through the winter. Growth is vigorous and dense.
This female holly sets a medium number of bright red berries that hold well on the tree until the birds get them in late winter.
If there are no other American Hollies around, it will need to be paired with a male like Big Al in order to have berries. The bees will work the flowers whether a male is present or not.
This will make a nice dense green holly.
Manig
The Manig Holly is unique among American Hollies for its dark green foliage and heavy berry set. Its lustrous leaves hold their color throughout the winter months while most American Hollies take on a yellowish cast. Plenty of bright red berries contrast with the shiny green leaves to cheer up those cold winter days. Late in the winter season, Robins and Cedar Waxwings descend on this holly to devour those red berries in preparation for spring breeding.
The Manig Holly is unique among American Hollies for its dark green foliage and heavy berry set. Its lustrous leaves hold their color throughout the winter months while most American Hollies take on a yellowish cast. Plenty of bright red berries contrast with the shiny green leaves to cheer up those cold winter days. Late in the winter season, Robins and Cedar Waxwings descend on this holly to devour those red berries in preparation for spring breeding.
Rosebank
The Rosebank Holly is on the site of the old Rosebank Nursery in Nashville Tennessee which according to their claim was the oldest nursery in the south. This majestic holly is growing in what was my great grandfathers front yard. My first tree climbing experience was in this great old holly tree. The tree is at least 100 years old and has survived at least two major tornadoes. It is still full to the ground with healthy foliage. It is a light berry producer with healthy foliage that holds its color well through the dreary days of winter.
Male Hollies
Big Al
Ilex opaca “Big Al” is a vigorous growing male holly with beautiful dark green foliage. The tree to the left is a 30 year old tree. Who says American Hollies grow slow.
In order to have berries on your American Hollies, you have to have a male nearby. This makes a beautiful pollinator for your female American Hollies.
Male hollies produce a vast supply of pollen that is gathered by bees. Holly pollen is too heavy to get airborn. It takes bees to pollinate the female flowers to get berries
Yellow and Orange Berried Hollies
Corpening#3
Corpening #3 is a heavily fruited yellow berried American Holly with good form and healthy foliage. The yellow berries are unusual for Ilex opaca which normally has bright red berries. This is a truly unique American Holly.
The berries on Corpening #3 absolutely glow against the dark green of its leaves
Yellow Jaquet
The Yellow Jacquet Holly has an unusual tight narrow upright form. The foliage is a little less dense but it has an abundance of yellow berries. A good holly for a tight place.
Xanthawood Holly
Xanthawood Holly has a heavy crop of orange berries every year. Combine these with healthy foliage and you have a holly that is a great contrast to the traditional red berried hollies. A lovely tree.
Orange and Yellow berried Hollies are uncommon and seldom seen for sale. The special colored hollies have been selected by holly enthusiasts over the last 200 years.