Topal holly (Ilex × attenuata 'Savannah')
Discover Ilex × attenuata 'Savannah', a striking broadleaf evergreen hybrid ideal for hedges, offering vibrant red winter fruit.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Ilex × attenuata ‘Savannah’, commonly known as Topal holly, is a highly prized broadleaf evergreen hybrid valued for its dense, narrowly pyramidal form and exceptional winter color. This cross between I. Cassine and I. Opaca offers excellent structural interest throughout the year, maturing into a robust small tree or large shrub. Gardeners rely on the ‘Savannah’ cultivar specifically for its prolific display of pea-sized, brilliant red fruits that persist well into the cold season, providing vital visual appeal.
This adaptable evergreen thrives in partial shade to full sun, though best fruit set benefits from more direct light. It maintains the classic spiny, evergreen foliage characteristic of hollies, lending privacy and year-round texture to the landscape. Its suitability as a hedge or screen makes the Topal holly a functional and beautiful choice for property borders or specimen planting in warmer temperate regions of the Southeast.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Aquifoliaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 10-20 ft
- Spread: 8-15 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: Greenish-white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For optimal establishment, plant your Ilex × attenuata ‘Savannah’ during the cooler, dormant seasons—fall or early spring—in locations providing full sun to partial shade. This Holly prefers consistently acidic, well-drained soil with medium moisture retention. It is crucial to avoid areas where water pools, as poorly drained soils stress the roots.
Maintain consistent moisture, especially during the first few growing seasons, using mulch to conserve water and suppress weeds. While Topal holly tolerates sun, provide afternoon shade in the hottest summer climates to prevent leaf scorch. Furthermore, siting plants where they are sheltered from harsh winter winds will improve overall hardiness and appearance.
As this is a dioecious species, remember that for the magnificent red fruit to appear, you must have a female plant established near a compatible male pollinator. Pruning should be reserved for winter, if necessary, to maintain shape or size, especially when using Ilex × attenuata ‘Savannah’ as a tight hedge.
Landscape Uses
The narrow, columnar habit of Ilex × attenuata ‘Savannah’ makes it an outstanding choice for formal hedges where space might be slightly restricted compared to its broader holly cousins. It excels in creating tall, opaque screens, offering structure and winter color that few other landscape plants can match. Train individual specimens as small ornamental trees to function as striking focal points near entryways.
Because of its adaptability—being useful as foundation plantings, street trees in the deep South, or specimen plantings in small groups—it integrates well into mixed borders. The foliage and persistent fruit provide essential color contrast against winter dormancy, pairing nicely with deciduous shrubs that offer bold bark or bright berries when the holly’s color is at its peak.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Ilex × attenuata ‘Savannah’ is a hybrid derived from American holly and dahoon holly, resulting in this narrow, columnar form discovered in Georgia. It is highly regarded for its extremely showy, fluorescent red fruit that remains ornamentally attractive throughout the fall and winter months, drawing in local bird populations. The evergreen leaves are lightly spined and elliptic, maintaining a neat appearance even outside the fruiting season.
Tolerances
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
Ilex × attenuata ‘Savannah’ generally performs well but can occasionally face pest or disease pressure requiring vigilance. Common insect issues include spider mites, scale insects, spittlebugs, and holly leaf miners, which can be managed through targeted dormant oil sprays or timely horticultural oil applications. Fungal issues like leaf spot or tar spot often signal high humidity or poor air circulation around the foliage.
To manage potential cultural problems, ensure the soil pH stays acidic, as high pH can induce chlorosis (yellowing leaves). In windy, exposed winter sites, plants are susceptible to leaf scorch and excessive leaf drop. Maintaining proper cultural conditions—ideal soil, adequate moisture, and protection from severe winter extremes—is the best prevention against most health issues for your Topal holly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Topal holly suitable for?
Ilex × attenuata ‘Savannah’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9.
How large does Ilex × attenuata ‘Savannah’ grow?
This cultivar typically reaches a height between 10 to 20 feet, with a spread of 8 to 15 feet, maintaining a relatively narrow profile.
What sun exposure does Topal holly need?
It performs well in full sun but appreciates some relief from the most intense afternoon sun in very hot climates, thriving anywhere from full sun to part shade conditions.
When does Ilex × attenuata ‘Savannah’ bloom?
The inconspicuous, greenish-white flowers appear moderately early in the season, generally blooming between April and May.
Conclusion
The Ilex × attenuata ‘Savannah’ stands out as a reliable, architecturally sound broadleaf evergreen, delivering essential structure and vibrant red winter berries to the landscape. Its popularity, particularly in the deep South, speaks to the ornamental value of this Topal holly cultivar. Before planting, confirm your site offers the required acidic soil and assess local winter winds to ensure the continued healthy display of your Ilex × attenuata ‘Savannah’.
Wildlife Benefits
The persistent, showy red fruits of the Topal holly serve as a crucial late-season food source for numerous bird species when other natural food sources become scarce. This makes the ‘Savannah’ cultivar invaluable for wildlife gardeners intending to boost local biodiversity through winter plantings.
Design Ideas
Due to its naturally slender, pyramidal shape, Ilex × attenuata ‘Savannah’ functions exceptionally well when used in formal symmetrical plantings flanking large doorways or driveways. It can also be leveraged in modern landscapes requiring strong vertical elements without the significant spread associated with traditional trees.
