Ilex pedunculosa (FEMALE)

Longstalk Holly

Plant Type:

BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS

Ilex pedunculosa (FEMALE) – Among the hardiest of the evergreen hollies is this handsome shrub. Its alternate bright green leaves are reminiscent of Bay Laurel or the emblematic Ficus Tree found in so many building atria and business offices in cities. Longstalk Holly is dioecious – a male and female must be present for fruit production. White flowers. Our plants are sexed; we have both available. Fruits on female shrubs are Christmas red and dangle from long pedicels, hence, its common name: Longstalk Holly. The common name is also associated with Ilex mucronatus (formerly and synonymous with Nemopanthus). Though Longstalk Holly often achieves upwards of 30 feet in the wild with commensurate width, in the home landscape it will generally grow to about 15 feet tall with potential equal width. Solidly evergreen for us in USDA zone 5b this is a shrub that forms a great screen, barrier and can be pruned if you must. With extra work I expect it could be trained into a single-stem tree form. Plant in fertile, draining soil in full to mostly sunny siting. Established potted starter shrub grown from cutting.


Height:

15 ft

Spread:

15 ft

Colors:

White

Zone:

5 to 7(8a?)
What is my hardiness zone?

Characteristics and Attributes for Ilex pedunculosa (FEMALE)

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Late Spring / Early Summer

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Four Seasons

Autumn Interest

  • Fruit / Berries / Seed Heads

Nature Attraction

  • Songbirds
  • Deer Resistant
  • Honey Bees & Native Bees

Light

  • Full Sun
  • Mostly Sunny

Attributes

  • Hedge
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Evergreen
  • Screen
  • Shrub Border

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Moderately Fast

Soil

  • Draining
  • Fertile

Origins

  • China, Japan, Korea

Propagated By

  • Cutting Grown