East Palatka Holly

Introduction

This variety was discovered in 1927 in Palatka, Florida. The broad, dull green, rounded leaves have one spine at the tip and few, if any, along the blade edge. The 30 – 45 foot-tall trees take on a moderately, tight pyramidal shape. A female East Palatka Holly is heavily laden with bright red berries in fall and winter.

Use and Management

East Palatka Holly makes a durable street tree throughout its range and is quite drought-tolerant once established. Most trees are sheared in the nursery, and is often repeated in the landscape after planting. The natural shape of the tree is rarely seen but is a graceful pyramid of drooping branches growing from a strong central trunk, laden with bright red berries, which remain on the trees until eaten by birds.

East Palatka Holly grows quickly in full sun or partial shade on moist, acid soils. Growth is poor and foliage chlorotic on alkaline soil.

Planting

• Available in 3, 10 or 15 gal containers. Also available in B & B by height.
• Suggested plant spacing are: Plant as needed (15’+ OC)
• Bed Preparation:
• Recommend to backfill with same soil dug from hole
• Create watering saucer and topdress with 3” hardwood mulch
• Guy & stake using minimum 2 stakes per tree
• Hand water in after planting
• Set sprinkler controller:
• Once every two days for two weeks in spring and early fall.
• Once a day for two weeks when temperatures reach 98+ degrees.
• Watch plant for one year and use supplemental hand watering to keep soil moist, not saturated.
• Have Owner monitor moisture and report over or under watering immediately.
• After two weeks reassess the watering needs, and set at twice a week thereafter.