American holly (Ilex opaca 'Greenleaf')
Ilex opaca 'Greenleaf' is a low-maintenance, broadleaf evergreen American holly offering year-round structure and bright red winter berries.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Ilex opaca ‘Greenleaf’ cultivar provides exceptional structure and year-round interest, making it a cornerstone for winter landscapes. As a female selection of the American holly, this broadleaf evergreen is prized for its dense, pyramidal form and its heavy set of bright red berries that persist long after the leaves drop. Gardeners rely on the robust nature of American holly for creating lasting visual impact.
This cultivar maintains an accessible size in cultivation, typically reaching 20 to 25 feet tall, allowing it to function effectively as a specimen or a formal hedge. Its spiny, medium-green foliage offers excellent screening capability throughout the colder months when deciduous plants are bare. Successfully growing Ilex opaca ‘Greenleaf’ results in a classic holiday aesthetic right in your yard.
Beyond its visual appeal, the longevity and relatively low maintenance requirements of this American holly make it a sound investment for lasting garden structure. Ensure you pair it with a suitable male pollinator to guarantee the stunning fruit display that makes this species so iconic.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Aquifoliaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 20-25 ft
- Spread: 10-15 ft
- Bloom Time: May
- Bloom Description: Greenish-white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Ilex opaca ‘Greenleaf’ is best done in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. Select a site that offers full sun to partial afternoon shade. This American holly thrives in average, consistently moist, acidic, and well-drained soils. It is crucial to avoid locations where water pools, as it will not tolerate flooding or saturated ground.
Maintenance for this cultivar is generally low once established, fitting well into busy gardening schedules. Water deeply and regularly during the first year to encourage deep root development. While it tolerates clay soil, ensure the drainage is sufficient. Leaves often yellow (chlorosis) if the soil pH becomes too alkaline.
Protect your planting from harsh, cold winter winds, which can cause leaf scorch or premature drop in exposed areas. Pruning, if necessary, should be minimal and focused on shaping or removing damaged branches, preferably during late winter dormancy. Remember that the dense foliage required for good screening develops best when the plant receives ample light.
Landscape Uses
The reliable, evergreen structure of Ilex opaca ‘Greenleaf’ makes it incredibly versatile in landscape design. It excels when used as a formal hedge due to its naturally pyramidal shape, providing excellent screening and privacy year-round. When placed as a specimen, the dense grouping of berries in autumn and winter creates a striking focal point against snowy backdrops.
For foundation plantings near a home, this American holly offers architectural interest without becoming overly coarse. Cuttings from the berry-laden boughs are highly sought after for winter decorations, blending seamlessly with holiday decor. In woodland garden settings, ensure the soil remains acidic and moist for optimal health.
When planning groupings, dedicate space for a male pollinator nearby to ensure abundant fruit production on this female ‘Greenleaf’ cultivar. This pairing guarantees both structural density and vital winter food sources for local birds attracted to the bright red drupes.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Ilex opaca ‘Greenleaf’ is an upright, pyramidal evergreen American holly that matures to about 20-25 feet tall. This female cultivar is famous for its abundant crop of conical, bright red berries that ripen in early fall and persist throughout the winter months, provided a male pollinator is present nearby. Its spiny, medium green leaves remain attractive throughout the year, offering reliable color and texture.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Clay Soil
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
Potential insect issues common to the American holly include scale, whitefly, spider mites, and the holly leaf miner. Manage these invaders promptly through appropriate horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps, especially during active growth periods.
Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, tar spot, and leaf rot can emerge, particularly in humid or overcrowded conditions. Ensure good air circulation around your Ilex opaca ‘Greenleaf’ to mitigate these issues, and avoid overhead watering late in the day. Susceptibility to leaf scorch and chlorosis also mandates careful placement away from drying winter winds and extremely high pH soils.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is American holly suitable for?
This cultivar performs best in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9.
How large does Ilex opaca ‘Greenleaf’ grow?
This evergreen generally reaches a mature height between 20 and 25 feet, with a spread of 10 to 15 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Ilex opaca ‘Greenleaf’ need?
For best growth and fruit production, provide full sun to part shade; dense foliage may thin out significantly in overly shaded locations.
When does American holly bloom?
The greenish-white flowers appear in May, leading to the display of red berries later in the fall and winter.
Conclusion
The Ilex opaca ‘Greenleaf’ remains an outstanding choice for gardeners seeking resilient, year-round evergreen structure and excellent winter interest provided by its plentiful red fruits. This reliable American holly variety combines low maintenance with high aesthetic impact. Before planting, confirm your site’s soil acidity and ensure a male pollinator is within range to maximize the stunning berry display of your ‘Greenleaf’ specimen.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate companions enhances the overall health and visual appeal of your American holly planting. Since Ilex opaca ‘Greenleaf’ prefers acidic, consistently moist but well-drained soil, plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias share similar cultural needs and create beautiful spring color contrasts against the dark evergreen leaves. Grouping these acid-lovers ensures unified soil amendments across the landscape bed.
For structural contrast, consider planting lower-growing, fine-textured evergreens or deciduous shrubs near the base of the taller holly. Hostas or ferns thrive in the partial shade that the American holly might cast, provided the area doesn’t become excessively dry during summer. Avoid shallow-rooted turfgrasses immediately adjacent to the trunk area to reduce competition for water resources.
Wildlife Benefits
The primary ecological contribution of Ilex opaca ‘Greenleaf’ is providing critical winter sustenance when most other food sources are depleted. Birds, including robins and cedar waxwings, readily consume the persistent red drupes throughout the colder months. This food source is invaluable for migratory species resting in the area during winter.
Beyond fruit, the dense, pyramidal structure of the American holly offers superior cover and nesting protection. Its thick evergreen branches provide excellent shelter from predators and harsh weather conditions, making it a valuable three-season refuge for many smaller backyard birds.
