Longwood Gold Holly

Longwood Gold Holly (Ilex x attenuata 'Longwood Gold')

Longwood Gold Holly is a narrow, pyramidal broadleaf evergreen with glossy, spiny green foliage and abundant yellow gold berries in winter when pollinated by a compatible male. Its upright, formal outline delivers four season structure for entries, hedges, and focal plantings.

Distinctive Features

Female selection noted for heavy fruit set with pollination, producing showy gold berries that brighten winter landscapes. Dense branching and lustrous leaves create a refined, tree like presence with a slim footprint.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best density and fruiting with at least half day sun.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; avoid waterlogged conditions.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment, then deep water in extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9.
• Mature Size: About 20 to 30 ft tall and 8 to 12 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Upright form and gold berries create a striking year round anchor.
• Hedges and Screens: Tall, narrow habit provides refined evergreen privacy.
• Foundation Planting: Frames corners and entries without excessive spread.
• Allees and Avenues: Repeats formal structure along drives and walks.
• Wildlife Gardens: With a male nearby, berries offer winter food for birds.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly the first season; provide deep, occasional soaks in drought.
• Pruning: Shape in late winter or after spring flush to maintain a straight leader and dense sides.
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with an acid forming, slow release fertilizer if soil tests indicate need.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 inch mulch ring to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, keeping mulch off stems.
• Notes: Female cultivar; plant a compatible male holly nearby for reliable fruit set and site away from drying winter winds.

Why Choose Longwood Gold Holly?

• Four Season Structure: Evergreen, pyramidal form holds a crisp line year round.
• Showy Winter Fruit: Gold berries provide standout off season color with pollination.
• Space Efficient: Slim profile fits narrow beds and screen lines.
• Refined Foliage: Glossy, spiny leaves add depth and shine.
• Versatile: Equally effective as specimen, hedge, or formal accent.

Plant in sun to part shade with well drained, slightly acidic soil, pair with a spring blooming male holly, and prune lightly in late winter to preserve the slim, formal silhouette.