{"product_id":"possumhaw-holly-bush","title":"Possumhaw Holly Bush","description":"\u003ch1 data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003eIlex decidua\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eThe Possumhaw Holly is a remarkable, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub that brings exceptional seasonal interest and structural integrity to the landscape. Unlike its evergreen cousins, this native beauty sheds its foliage in autumn to reveal a spectacular, high-contrast display that persists through the coldest months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eIn late spring, it produces modest, creamy-white blossoms that provide subtle charm against its bright green, glossy foliage. By mid-to-late summer, the female plants begin to showcase their true magic as they produce dense clusters of brilliant, neon-orange to red berries. As autumn arrives, the leaves turn a soft yellow before dropping, leaving the branches laden with vibrant fruit that remains throughout the winter, providing a stunning pop of color against a drab winter backdrop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThe Ecological Footprint\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWildlife Sanctuary:\u003c\/b\u003e A vital winter food source for songbirds, such as mockingbirds, cedar waxwings, and robins, who rely on the persistent fruit when other food sources are scarce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Berry Buffet:\u003c\/b\u003e Produces distinctive, persistent berries that serve as a critical, high-energy fuel source for wildlife throughout the winter months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePollinator Pal:\u003c\/b\u003e The spring blossoms are highly attractive to native bees and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local biodiversity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eVersatile Performer:\u003c\/b\u003e Robustly thrives in a variety of conditions, from moist floodplains to drier upland sites, making it a reliable choice for diverse landscape applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eThe Honest Harvest (What to Expect)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Perks:\u003c\/b\u003e Highly adaptable to various soil types, including heavy clay, displays stunning multi-season color changes, offers high wildlife value, and is incredibly easy to grow once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Caveats:\u003c\/b\u003e To ensure fruit production, you must have at least one male plant nearby to pollinate the female plants; without a male present, you will not get the signature berries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/b\u003e Ilex decidua\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/b\u003e Possumhaw, Deciduous Holly, Meadow Holly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/b\u003e 8-15 feet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMature Width:\u003c\/b\u003e 8-12 feet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/b\u003e Moderate (12-18 inches per year)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,5,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/b\u003e 30+ years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,6,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,6,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eUSDA Zones:\u003c\/b\u003e 5-9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,7,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,7,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eChill Hours:\u003c\/b\u003e *\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,8,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,8,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSun Preference:\u003c\/b\u003e Full sun to partial shade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,9,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,9,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Adaptable to wet or dry soils; thrives in rich, slightly acidic loam\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,10,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,10,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSoil pH:\u003c\/b\u003e Acidic to neutral (5.5-7.5)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,11,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,11,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/b\u003e Moderate; adaptable once established but prefers consistent moisture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,12,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,12,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFlower Color:\u003c\/b\u003e Creamy-white; late spring\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,13,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,13,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFruit Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Bright orange-red berries (drupes); persists through winter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,14,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,14,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePollinators:\u003c\/b\u003e * (Requires male and female plants for fruit)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,15,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,15,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/b\u003e Multi-stemmed, rounded, upright shrub\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,16,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,16,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/b\u003e 8-10 feet apart for a natural screen or hedge\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,17,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,17,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLandscape Uses:\u003c\/b\u003e Native gardens, wildlife borders, rain gardens, naturalized areas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,18,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,18,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMaintenance Level:\u003c\/b\u003e Low; minimal pruning required\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eHydration:\u003c\/b\u003e Saturate the planting area thoroughly before setting the shrub into the ground, and maintain consistent moisture during its first year to ensure deep root development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSiting:\u003c\/b\u003e Choose a location that receives ample sunlight to encourage maximum fruit production; while it tolerates partial shade, berry density is best in brighter spots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMulching:\u003c\/b\u003e Apply a thick 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, keeping the mulch clear of the main stem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eEstablishment:\u003c\/b\u003e Ensure the shrub receives regular, deep waterings during its first two growing seasons until the root system is fully established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePruning:\u003c\/b\u003e Generally requires little pruning; if necessary, prune to shape or remove dead wood in late winter before new growth begins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,5,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFertilization:\u003c\/b\u003e Generally unnecessary in good soil. If growth is sluggish, a light top-dressing of organic compost in early spring will provide all the nutrients it needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"ATM Gardens","offers":[{"title":"1-2ft","offer_id":51661502185767,"sku":"ST72G1","price":41.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2-3ft","offer_id":51661502218535,"sku":"ST72G2","price":54.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0988\/9094\/0711\/files\/POSSUMHAWHOLLY16.jpg?v=1784330676","url":"https:\/\/atmgardens.com\/products\/possumhaw-holly-bush","provider":"ATM Gardens","version":"1.0","type":"link"}