Eagleston Holly: A Comprehensive Guide to Care, Growth, and Uses
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The Eagleston Holly (Ilex attenuata ‘Eagleston’) is a versatile and popular evergreen tree highly favored for its beauty, adaptability, and low-maintenance care. This blog will answer common questions about Eagleston Holly, including its growth rate, care requirements, and uses, while addressing popular queries about this stunning tree.
What is Eagleston Holly?
Eagleston Holly is a hybrid between American Holly (Ilex opaca) and Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine). It features glossy green leaves and bright red berries, making it a favorite for landscapes. It is often grown in tree form or as a patio tree, and its dense foliage makes it an excellent choice for privacy screens or ornamental purposes.
What Do Eagleston Holly Leaves Look Like?
The leaves of the Eagleston Holly are smooth, dark green, and oval-shaped with slightly serrated edges. Unlike other holly species, they lack sharp spines, making them less hazardous in high-traffic areas.
How Big Do Eagleston Hollies Get?
Eagleston Holly can reach a mature size of 15-25 feet in height and 8-12 feet in width, making it suitable for small to medium landscapes. Its growth rate is moderate, averaging 12-24 inches per year, depending on care and environmental conditions.
How to Care for Eagleston Holly
1. Planting: Choose a well-drained location with full sun to partial shade. Eagleston Holly prefers slightly acidic soil but can tolerate a range of soil types.
2. Watering: Water regularly, especially during the first year, to establish a healthy root system. Afterward, Eagleston Holly is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during dry periods.
3. Pruning: Light pruning can help maintain its shape. For optimal results, prune Eagleston Holly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
4. Fertilizing: Fertilize in early spring using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth.
Does Eagleston Holly Have Berries?
Yes, Eagleston Holly produces vibrant red berries in the fall and winter, which attract birds and add seasonal interest. While beautiful, be cautious: the berries are poisonous to dogs if ingested.
How Fast Does Eagleston Holly Grow?
Eagleston Holly has a moderate growth rate, typically reaching 12-24 inches annually. Proper care, including regular watering and fertilization, can maximize its growth potential.
How to Plant and Shape Eagleston Holly
1. Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. Place the tree in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
2. Shaping: Regular pruning can help maintain a tree form or a more compact, bush-like appearance. Use sharp pruning shears to remove dead or overgrown branches.
Eagleston Holly Tree Form vs. Shrub Form
Eagleston Holly is often grown in tree form, with a single trunk and rounded canopy, making it a standout feature in landscapes. It can also be maintained as a shrub for hedges or privacy screens.
Eagleston Holly vs. Other Hollies
1. East Palatka Holly vs. Eagleston Holly: While both are hybrids, East Palatka Holly has a more pyramidal shape and a slightly faster growth rate, whereas Eagleston Holly is more compact and bushy.
2. Savannah Holly vs. Eagleston Holly: Savannah Holly grows larger and has spiny leaves, whereas Eagleston Holly is smaller with smoother leaves.
Eagleston Holly for Sale
If you’re wondering where to buy Eagleston Holly, many nurseries and online garden centers offer them in various sizes, such as 15-gallon or 30-gallon containers. Check with local suppliers for availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
• When to Trim Eagleston Holly? Trim in late winter or early spring.
• When to Fertilize Eagleston Holly? Fertilize in early spring for best results.
• Are Eagleston Holly Berries Poisonous? Yes, they can be toxic to pets and humans if consumed.
• Does Eagleston Holly Grow in All Regions? Eagleston Holly thrives in USDA zones 7-9 and prefers warmer climates.
Conclusion
Eagleston Holly is a stunning, low-maintenance tree perfect for enhancing your landscape. Whether you’re looking for a privacy screen, ornamental tree, or patio feature, this holly variety delivers both beauty and practicality. Visit your local nursery or contact Flowing Well Tree Farm for Eagleston Holly trees for sale, along with expert planting and care advice.