Miss Helen American Holly

Ilex opaca 'Miss Helen'

Miss Helen American Holly typically grows to a height of about 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.6 meters) with a spread of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters). It has a pyramidal or rounded shape, making it an excellent choice as a specimen tree or for creating a formal hedge or screen.

One of the most striking features of Miss Helen American Holly is its abundant production of bright red berries. These berries appear in the fall and persist throughout the winter, providing a festive touch to the landscape. The berries are also a valuable food source for birds during the colder months.

It's important to note that Miss Helen American Holly is a female cultivar, so it requires a male pollinator, such as Ilex opaca 'Jersey Knight' or 'Jersey Princess,' to produce berries. Planting both a male and female plant in close proximity will ensure the best berry production.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Low Maintenance.  Water regularly.   Well-drained soils essential.   Potential issues include mites, scale, leaf spot, rot, and mildew.  Susceptible to leaf scorch or drop if not protected from afternoon sun in hotter climates.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Privacy Screen, Foundation Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS:  Blueberry, Astilbe, Camellia

Image: Photo by David J. Stang, Ilex opaca Miss Helen 2zz, CC BY-SA 4.0

Image: Photo by David J. Stang, Ilex opaca Miss Helen 1zz, CC BY-SA 4.0