Ilex opaca

American Holly

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Evergreen shrub native to eastern North America featuring glossy dark green leaves and bright red berries on female plants, often used for hedges or Christmas decor.
yard Outdoor plants wb_sunny Half-shade / Sun pets Not pet-safe
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Plant Details

Common Name American Holly
Family Aquifoliaceae
Genus Ilex
Species Opaca
Origin Eastern United States
Blooming Small white flowers in late spring to early summer
Leaf Color Dark glossy green
Sunlight Half-shade / Sun
Category Outdoor plants
Pet Friendly close No
yard

Care & Maintenance

terrain
Soil

Acidic, well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter; peat with perlite for pots

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Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering during winter dormancy

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Sunlight & Care

Prefers full sun outdoors; indoors requires bright indirect light to prevent leaf drop

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Fertilization

Apply slow-release balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins

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Pruning

Prune after flowering to shape hedges or control size; remove dead wood in late winter

Pest Control Leaf Miner Scale Insect Spider Mite

These are the insects and pathogens that commonly interact with this plant, including pests, parasites, and organisms typically associated with its care.

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Seasonal Periods

local_florist Flowering Period 2 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
agriculture Harvesting Period 2 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
eco Leaf Persistence 12 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
thermostat

Growing Parameters

thermostat
Temperature
23° – 82°
Fahrenheit
Ideal ambient air temperature range for healthy growth
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Humidity
30% – 70%
% relative
Optimal relative air humidity the plant thrives in
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Light (LUX)
4000 – 12000
Lux
Ambient illuminance level at the plant's surface
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Light (PAR)
800 – 2500
mmol/m²/s
Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity
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Soil Moisture
40% – 70%
% volumetric
Water content in the growing medium
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Soil EC
250 – 1200
mS/cm
Electrical conductivity (nutrient concentration in soil water)

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