Home Gardening

Savannah has native American holly roots
Mississippi Gardens Newspaper and Web Column - January 20, 2003

In Lucedale, my adopted hometown, part of Main Street is lined with some of the most popular landscape plants in the southeast. Several years ago, city officials and the local Tree-City Board made an excellent choice when they planted Savannah Holly to green-up the downtown business district.

Lucedale is not alone in its appreciation of this popular plant. Many cities, towns and home landscapes now feature the beautiful, versatile and durable Savannah Hollies.

Savannah holly is a hybrid whose genetic "roots" run deep into our native American Holly family (Ilex opaca) with influence from two other holly species. It is most widely known and sought after for its huge, quarter-inch fluorescent red berries that are displayed during winter months. We like to look at the berries while birds enjoy feeding on them this time of year. The Savannah's attractive light green foliage consists of leaves that are 2 to 4 inches long and half as wide with spines along both margins. The glossy green leaves and red- berried stems make this holly famous for use in Christmas wreaths and other holiday decorations.

Savannahs are often chosen for their durability in urban settings and it's not uncommon to see them planted along city streets. They can tolerate auto exhaust as well as the radiant heat from roadways and buildings that might subdue less hardy plants. As a specimen the Savannah makes a very nice single-stemmed tree that may reach 20 feet in height. Being evergreen, and tall, makes it an excellent choice for two-story buildings or taller foundations.

When situated in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, the Savannah Holly will give its best performance and a fast rate of growth. Nevertheless, it is drought tolerant and may even tolerate rather wet conditions. This durable, versatile beauty is also considered a low maintenance plant and it has no serious pests!

The Savannah may also be used as a hedge or screen that can supply both a visual and a sound barrier in just a few years. The plant can be sheared for thicker foliage or shaped for desired effect. It should not be topped until the preferred height is achieved.

In my town, the foliage is pruned to look like Christmas trees and lighted for special effect. Although the season is past, make a note to travel to Lucedale next Christmas to enjoy the lights and while you are strolling take a look at our Savannahs.

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These archived columns were written by Kerry Johnson, a hobby gardener, former weekly newspaper columnist and an Area Extension Horticulture Agent for 11 coastal counties in Mississippi.