A Complete Guide on Planting and Growing Oak Leaf Holly

Are you looking to add an elegant touch to your garden with minimal effort? Look no further than the Oak Leaf holly. This fast-growing, evergreen shrub is known for its glossy foliage and bright red berries, making it a stunning addition to any landscape.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Oak Leaf holly, from its cultivation and history to propagation, growing tips, and managing pests and disease. So grab your gardening gloves and let’s get started!

What Is Oak Leaf Holly?

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Oak Leaf holly, scientifically known as Ilex x ‘Conaf,’ is a hybrid cultivar that belongs to the holly family. It is prized for its unique, shapely leaves that resemble those of an oak tree. With a mature height of 10-15 feet and a spread of seven to nine feet, this shrub offers year-round interest in the garden.

The evergreen foliage emerges in a rusty-red color before turning into a deep emerald green with serrated margins and sharp prickles. Delicate cream-white flowers bloom in spring, followed by small green berries that mature into red-orange gems in the fall. Unlike most hollies, Oak Leaf is a hermaphrodite, meaning it has both male and female reproductive structures on each flower, eliminating the need for another plant for fruit production.

While the berries add visual interest to the garden, it’s important to note that they are toxic to humans and animals and should not be ingested.

Cultivation and History

Oak Leaf holly is a part of the Red Holly™ series, selected in the 1990s by plant breeder Jack Magee. It originated from Ilex x ‘Mary Nell,’ a hybrid of three parent plants: I. cornuta, I. pernyi, and I. latifolia. The shrub was patented under the name ‘Conaf’ but is marketed as Oak Leaf.

With its pyramid shape and adaptability to pruning, Oak Leaf holly is a versatile addition to gardens in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9. Other cultivars in the Red Holly™ series include ‘Cardinal,’ ‘Festive,’ ‘Little Red,’ and ‘Robin,’ all suitable for Zones 6-9.

Propagation

As a hybrid cultivar, Oak Leaf holly cannot be grown from seed. Instead, propagation is typically done through stem cuttings. Softwood stems are best for propagation, and here’s how you can do it:

Take three to five-inch stem cuttings from new growth.
Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Place the cuttings in a mixture of perlite and peat moss.
Keep the medium moist and provide indirect sunlight.
Repot rooted cuttings into larger containers after 6-8 weeks.

If you prefer to purchase plants, you can find Oak Leaf holly at garden centers or nurseries. Late summer or early autumn is the best time for transplanting to allow the roots to establish before winter.

How to Grow

Oak Leaf holly thrives in full or part sun and well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Conduct a soil test to ensure the pH is between 5.0 and 6.5. Regular watering is essential for new transplants, while established plants can tolerate some dryness.

Here are some growing tips to keep your Oak Leaf holly healthy and flourishing:

Plant in a sunny location.
Maintain soil pH between 5.0 and 6.5.
Provide adequate water, approximately one to two inches per week.
Mulch with straw or bark to retain moisture and protect roots.

Pruning and Maintenance

While Oak Leaf holly does not require extensive pruning, it responds well to shaping. Pruning should ideally be done during the winter dormant period to avoid reducing berry production. Remove dead or diseased branches, and thin out intersecting branches to improve airflow.

For feeding, apply a fertilizer suitable for acid-loving plants such as Espoma Holly-tone. This step can be done in spring and fall to promote healthy growth.

Where to Buy

Ready to add Oak Leaf holly to your garden? You can find two to four-year-old plants in #3 containers at Nature Hills Nursery. Establishing these shrubs in your yard will soon add vibrancy and elegance to your landscape.

Managing Pests and Disease

Oak Leaf holly is relatively resistant to pest infestations and diseases. However, there are a few pests and diseases to watch out for, including holly leaf miner, whitefly, and fungal infections like leaf spot and powdery mildew.

Control pests by removing affected foliage and using insecticidal soap or neem oil. For fungal diseases, ensure proper watering practices and consider using copper fungicide spray. Regular monitoring and maintenance will help keep your plants healthy and thriving.

Best Uses

Whether you plant it as a specimen, hedge, or privacy screen, Oak Leaf holly is a versatile and attractive shrub. Its pyramidal shape and evergreen foliage make it suitable for foundation plantings and ornamental purposes. The red berries attract birds during the winter months, adding a touch of wildlife to your garden.

Quick Reference Growing Guide:

Plant Type: Woody evergreen shrub
Native to: Cultivated hybrid
Hardiness (USDA Zone): 6-9
Bloom Time: Early to late spring
Exposure: Full to part sun
Spacing: 5-6 feet (hedge), 9+ feet (specimen)
Height: 15-20 feet
Spread: 7-9 feet
Water Needs: Moderate

In conclusion, Oak Leaf holly is a low-maintenance, fast-growing shrub that adds year-round interest to your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this versatile plant is a valuable addition to any landscape. So, find the perfect spot in your garden, plant an Oak Leaf holly, and enjoy the beauty it brings to your outdoor space! Happy gardening!