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Foster Holly
Foster Holly
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Ilex × attenuata ‘Fosteri’
Foster Holly
The Foster Holly is a statuesque, upright evergreen known for its graceful form, lustrous foliage, and clusters of vibrant red berries. This bare root variety is both functional and beautiful—offering four-season color, reliable privacy, and excellent wildlife support.
With its naturally narrow habit, strong central leader, and dense branching, the Foster Holly is a favorite for formal landscapes, vertical accents, and hedges. Its fast growth, low maintenance, and versatility make it a top-tier evergreen for structure and style.
Foster Holly (Bare Root) Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌱 Variety | Bare Root |
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Ilex × attenuata ‘Fosteri’ |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Foster Holly, Foster’s Holly, Sky Foster |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 15–25 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 6–10 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Moderate to fast (1–2 feet per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 50–75+ years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 6–9 |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade (best berry production in full sun) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| 🍃 Foliage Color | Glossy deep green (evergreen year-round) |
| 🍒 Berry Color | Bright red (late fall through winter) |
| 🐝 Wildlife Attraction | Birds, pollinators, beneficial insects |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Upright, pyramidal, dense form |
| 🌸 Self-Pollinating? | Partially – produces berries without a male, but more with one nearby |
| ↔️ Spacing | 4–6 ft for hedges; 8–10 ft for individual planting |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Privacy screens, formal hedges, accents, foundation plantings |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low to moderate |
Environmental Benefits
🌞 Offers year-round structure and privacy with evergreen coverage
🐦 Provides berries for birds and dense shelter throughout winter
🌍 Adapts to varied soil types and urban conditions with ease
🌿 Helps with wind reduction, screening, and erosion control
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Elegant, upright form perfect for privacy or symmetry | 🌱 Can get leggy if grown in too much shade |
| 🍒 Produces berries even without a male holly nearby | ❄️ May need winter protection in exposed Zone 6 areas |
| 🐦 Supports local wildlife and pollinators | ✂️ May need shaping to maintain formal appearance |
| 🏡 Versatile for borders, screens, or standalone beauty | 💧 Needs regular watering in the first growing season |
| 🌞 Adapts to heat, drought, and a variety of soil conditions | 📏 Larger size may require planning in small landscapes |
Planting & Care Guide (Bare Root)
🛁 Soak bare root Foster Holly for 6–12 hours before planting
🕳️ Dig a hole 2× wider than the root spread; plant with crown at soil line
🌾 Mulch 2–3 inches deep to retain moisture and suppress weeds
💦 Water weekly during the first year; reduce once established
✂️ Prune in late winter or early spring to shape or remove damaged branches
🧪 Apply a slow-release, acid-loving evergreen fertilizer in spring
The Foster Holly (Bare Root) brings classic form, bold color, and effortless structure to any landscape. Whether you’re crafting a formal hedge, adding vertical interest, or building a privacy wall, this reliable evergreen delivers beauty, resilience, and lasting value
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