Foster Holly is a naturally occurring hybrid with genuine southern roots, discovered growing wild in Florida in 1924. This evergreen shrub or small tree blends the best traits of its parents, dahoon and American holly, reaching 20 to 30 feet tall (unless pruned shorter) and spreading 10 to 20 feet wide. Hardy in zones 6 through 9, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and rewards gardeners with showy red berries that birds find irresistible, especially when a compatible male pollinator grows nearby.
Partial Sun
Moderate
6-9
360in H x 240in W
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High
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This hybrid's origin story sets it apart from cultivated varieties: it emerged from the wild in Florida's landscape, a natural cross between two southeastern native hollies. The conical, evergreen form provides year-round structure, while the brilliant berries light up winter gardens and draw migrating birds seeking food. Its tolerance for urban conditions and ability to handle both full sun and afternoon shade makes it adaptable across diverse gardens, and it performs reliably in zones 6 through 9 without fussy demands.
Foster Holly serves as an excellent hedge, providing evergreen screening and structure year-round while producing abundant berries that attract birds and wildlife. Its conical form and manageable size when pruned make it equally valuable as a small specimen shade tree in residential landscapes. The showy winter berries and dark foliage have secured its place in ornamental gardens, particularly in southern regions where it establishes quickly and requires minimal coaxing.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Prune Foster Holly in winter when needed to shape the plant or maintain a specific height and form. Its natural conical habit means light pruning often suffices unless you're establishing a more formal hedge or controlling size on a smaller property.
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“Foster Holly carries the mark of spontaneous beauty: it was discovered growing wild in Florida in 1924 as a naturally occurring hybrid between Ilex cassine (dahoon holly) and Ilex opaca (American holly). Both parent species share native territory across the southeastern United States, from coastal North Carolina down to Florida, where their ranges overlap. This chance crossing in nature has since been cultivated and propagated, bringing together the hardiness and structure of American holly with the vigor and berry production of its dahoon parent.”