Foster holly is a small to medium-sized, broadleaf evergreen tree with a dense, upright, pyramidal habit. It typically grows to a mature height of 20-30′ tall with a spread of 10-15′ unless pruned otherwise. Features glossy, dark olive green, elliptic to obovate, evergreen leaves (2-3″ long). Each leaf has 1-5 well-spaced, tiny, spiny, marginal teeth per side. Small white flowers bloom in late spring. Flowers are followed in fall by an abundant and showy crop of bright red berry-like drupes which persist throughout the winter. (Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder)
Best grown in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained, slightly acidic soils in full sun to part shade. Best berry production in full sun. Hollies are dioecious (separate male and female plants). However, foster holly is one of the few hollies in which female plants will produce fruit without fertilization from a male pollinator. Therefore, it is unnecessary to purchase a male foster holly for a planting. (Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder)
