Species topal holly
conical tree with dense, yellow-green leaves and brown thick trunk

topal holly

Ilex attenuata 'Savannah'

Topal holly is an evergreen shrub from the Ilex family with bright green glossy leaves and stout spines. The shade tolerant plants can be up to 15 feet tall with a slender pyramidal shape. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 though 10, they are excellent ornamental plants for both sun and partial sun areas. Topal holly produces showy white flowers in the spring, with vibrant red berries in the winter. These are deer and drought resistant and offer visual interest all year round. Additionally, they don't need much maintenance and can fill any garden space.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 9

Flowers:

Greenish-white Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Topal Holly should be watered consistently every 7-10 days in order to be healthy and thrive. This plant is drought tolerant but should be watered regularly to ensure healthy growth and avoid any possible stress-related damage. Watering should be deep and thorough, ensuring the soil is saturated and allowing the water to completely drain out of the pot/planter for optimal oxygenation. During times of more extreme environmental conditions such as periods of intense heat or cold, it may be necessary adjust the watering frequency accordingly.

sunlight

Topal Holly plants require full sunlight for 6-8 hours per day. They thrive when they are exposed to direct sunlight during the morning and afternoon hours, and should receive some indirect sunlight in the early evening. These plants need to be protected from strong, hot midday sun, as this can scorch the leaves. In the summer, it is best to keep the plant in the shade during mid-day to avoid any scorch damage. When grown indoors, make sure the plant is placed in an area which receives plenty of indirect sunlight.

pruning

Topal Holly (Ilex attenuata 'Savannah') should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune only enough to maintain desired shape and size, and remove dead or damaged branches. Older plants may require more vigorous pruning to rejuvenate them. Pruning should bring out the natural shape and be done with care, so as not to disturb the form of the tree. It should be done with sharp tools, and all cuts should be made just above a bud or leaf.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Ilex attenuata 'Savannah' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in April or May.

Hardiness Map