Mountain holly (Ilex mucronata)

Mountain holly

Also known as: Swamp Holly

Mountain holly (Ilex mucronata) is a deciduous shrub related to other forms of holly. It serves as a host for Columbia silkmoth caterpillars. Grows around swamps and bogs in eastern North America. Iconic red berries appear in late summer or early fall and attract birds.

Scientific classification

Species

Mountain holly (Ilex mucronata)

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91 cm to 4.5 m

Plant Height

90 cm to 1.8 m

Spread

2.5 cm

Flower Size

White, Yellow, Green

Flower Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

5 - 25 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Mountain holly

Culture

Symbolism

Protection, Anti-Lightning, Luck

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Care Guide for Mountain holly

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 25 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from variable moisture regions, mountain holly demonstrates moderate drought tolerance. Water every 2-3 weeks to mimic its natural habitat's irregular rainfall. Typically grown outdoors, mountain holly thrives in well-draining soil that allows for occasional soaking followed by drying periods.

Fertilize: Feed mountain holly balanced fertilizer in spring and high-nitrogen in early summer for optimal growth. Apply biannually, ensuring soil is watered beforehand. Avoid over-fertilization and root contact to prevent burns. Cease fertilization in fall to support dormancy. Adjust methods seasonally for best results.

Pruning: Mountain holly requires annual pruning to stimulate new branch growth, ideally before early spring or during winter. Remove old, yellow leaves and cut one-third of old branches to enhance vertical growth, flowering, and fruiting. In snowy areas, bundle remaining branches to prevent damage from snow or ice.

Propagation: Mountain holly can be propagated by cutting a healthy, disease-free segment from a mature plant. A clean cut is essential, followed by placement in an appropriate growing medium with moisture and warmth to encourage root development, leading to the growth of a new plant.

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