Saturday, December 17, 2011

Holly Berries at the Arboretum

Ilex opaca
American Holly
Ilex x Mary Nell










The hollies (Ilex)  have adorned themselves for the holidays.  What could be more festive?  We have a fair selection of holly trees and shrubs at the Pitt County Arboretum.  As you see, each variety has its own leaf color and shape.  Each has different clusters of berries in varying shades of reds.  Hollies grow in a variety of shapes and sizes.  Keep in mind if you go shopping for one, dwarf doesn't necessarily mean small.  You also may need both a male and female species to get lovely displays as pictured here.  Read the plant tags carefully and ask the nurserymen questions. You can read more about many varieties of hollies by clicking here.    But in the meantime, enjoy these pictures taken this week.

Ilex x attenuata 'Savannah'

Ilex vomitoria 'Pendula'
Weeping Yaupon Holly

Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii Nana'
Dwarf Burford Holly
Ilex x attenuata 'East Palatka'
Ilex x attenuata 'Fosteri'
Foster's Holly
Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens'
Ilex verticillata 'Sparkleberry'

Ilex cornuta 'Needlepoint'

Mockingbirds like hollies, too!
Pictures by TS