{"product_id":"foster-holly-tree","title":"Foster Holly Tree","description":"\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003eIlex x attenuata 'Fosteri'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eThe Foster Holly Tree is a classic, highly adaptable broadleaf evergreen tree prized for its elegant pyramidal structure, fine-textured glossy foliage, and spectacular autumn-to-winter berry display. Developed as a natural hybrid, this slender beauty brings timeless structure and vibrant year-round color to residential landscapes and commercial properties alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eIn spring, subtle clusters of small white flowers emerge among its softly spined, dark green leaves. By mid-to-late autumn, these blooms yield an abundance of dense, bright red berries that persist throughout the winter months. Contrast against the rich evergreen canopy makes it a standout architectural feature during drab winter seasons while offering a bustling haven for local birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThe Ecological Footprint\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\"\u003eWildlife Sanctuary: Offers dense, spiny evergreen cover that provides safe nesting sites and vital winter shelter for songbirds and beneficial garden fauna.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\"\u003eWinter Bird Buffet: Generates thick clusters of persistent red drupes that serve as a crucial late-season food source for overwintering birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\"\u003ePollinator Support: Spring blossoms attract native bees and small beneficial pollinators looking for early nectar sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\"\u003eProperty Buffer: Dense growth habit functions efficiently as a biological windbreak, noise reducer, and visual privacy screen year-round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eThe Honest Harvest (What to Expect)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6,0,0\"\u003eThe Perks: Highly self-fertile (produces heavy berry crops without needing a male pollinator), features softer foliage than traditional American Holly, holds a tight natural pyramidal form with little to no pruning, and boasts excellent heat and drought tolerance once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6,1,0\"\u003eThe Caveats: Performs poorly in alkaline or poorly drained soils; severe iron chlorosis (yellowing leaves) can occur if soil pH is too high. Leaves have soft spines that require handling with gardening gloves during planting or trimming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\"\u003eBotanical Name: Ilex x attenuata 'Fosteri' (Ilex x attenuata 'Foster No. 2')\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\"\u003eCommon Names: Foster Holly, Foster's No. 2 Holly, Hybrid Holly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\"\u003eMature Height: 20-30 feet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\"\u003eMature Width: 10-15 feet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0\"\u003eGrowth Rate: Moderate (12-24 inches per year)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,5,0\"\u003eLifespan: 50+ years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,6,0\"\u003eUSDA Zones: 6-9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,7,0\"\u003eChill Hours: *\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,8,0\"\u003eSun Preference: Full sun to partial shade (best berry production and foliage density in full sun)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,9,0\"\u003eSoil Type: Moist, well-drained, acidic loams or sandy soils; tolerates clay if well-drained\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,10,0\"\u003eSoil pH: Acidic (4.5-6.5)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,11,0\"\u003eWater Needs: Moderate; requires regular watering during establishment, drought tolerant once mature\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,12,0\"\u003eFlower Color: Small, dull white; spring\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,13,0\"\u003eFruit Type: Bright red, long-lasting berries (drupes); autumn through winter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,14,0\"\u003ePollinators: Native bees, honeybees\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,15,0\"\u003eGrowth Habit: Dense, compact, narrowly pyramidal evergreen tree\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,16,0\"\u003eSpacing: 6-8 feet apart for a dense screen; 12-15 feet apart for specimen planting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,17,0\"\u003eLandscape Uses: Specimen focal point, evergreen privacy screen, corner foundation planting, informal hedge, accent tree\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,18,0\"\u003eMaintenance Level: Low\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\"\u003eHydration: Thoroughly saturate the root ball prior to planting, and water deeply 1-2 times per week during its first full growing season to encourage deep root establishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\"\u003eSiting: Select a full sun to partial shade location with well-draining, acidic soil. Ensure adequate spacing away from tall structures to allow its natural pyramidal form to expand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\"\u003eMulching: Apply a 3-inch layer of organic mulch (such as pine bark or pine needles) around the base to regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and naturally preserve soil acidity. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\"\u003eEstablishment: Provide consistent moisture during prolonged dry spells over the first two years. Once established, it demonstrates strong tolerance to short droughts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,4,0\"\u003ePruning: Naturally maintains a tight, symmetric shape requiring minimal pruning. If hedging or shaping is desired, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,5,0\"\u003eFertilization: Feed in early spring with an acid-forming, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens and hollies, especially if planted in marginal or slightly alkaline soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"ATM Gardens","offers":[{"title":"1-2ft","offer_id":52304036004135,"sku":"ST72F1","price":46.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2-3ft","offer_id":52304036036903,"sku":"ST72F2","price":54.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0988\/9094\/0711\/files\/FosterHolly5.jpg?v=1791857053","url":"https:\/\/atmgardens.com\/products\/foster-holly-tree","provider":"ATM Gardens","version":"1.0","type":"link"}