How to Grow Foster's Holly
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Foster's Holly
Ilex x attenuata 'Fosteri'
shrubFoster's Holly is a semi-evergreen to evergreen hybrid holly shrub valued for its dense, pyramidal form and abundant bright red berries. It grows as an upright, columnar plant reaching 15-20 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide, making it excellent for screening, hedges, and specimen plantings. The glossy, dark green foliage and prolific red fruit display provide year-round ornamental interest.
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Example Foster's Holly timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Foster's Holly
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Foster's Holly
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5b-9a, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Establishment
First 12 monthsYoung plant develops root system and establishes in landscape; 12-18 inches of new growth typical in first year
Water consistently, mulch with 2-3 inches of organic material, avoid fertilizing first year, stake if needed in windy locations
Vegetative Growth
Year 2-3Plant fills in with dense foliage, developing characteristic pyramidal form with glossy dark green leaves
Minimal pruning needed; remove only dead or crossing branches. Light fertilization in spring with balanced shrub fertilizer.
Flowering
2-4 weeks in springSmall, inconspicuous white flowers appear in late spring (May-June) on female plants; male pollinator plants nearby enhance fruit set
Ensure pollinator (male holly) is within 30-40 feet for adequate cross-pollination. Avoid heavy pruning during flowering.
Fruiting
September through FebruaryBright red berries develop in clusters throughout branches in fall and persist into winter, providing bird food and ornamental display
Do not remove berries unless necessary; they provide wildlife food and visual interest. Light pruning can be done after berry display fades.
Dormancy
November through FebruaryIn colder zones, plant enters semi-dormant state in winter; foliage may become more sparse in severe climates
Reduce watering in winter but maintain soil moisture. Avoid pruning in late fall. Protect from harsh winds in exposed locations.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prune and remove affected leaves; apply neem oil or horticultural oil in late spring before miners enter leaves
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Spray with dormant oil in late winter; use insecticidal soap in growing season on crawler stage
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Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with water to dislodge; use horticultural oil or miticide if severe
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Remove affected buds; apply BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis) in early spring
Uses
Holiday decorations and cut arrangements
HouseholdFoster's Holly branches with bright red berries are prized for holiday floral arrangements, wreaths, and festive decorations. The long-lasting berries and glossy foliage make them ideal for fresh and dried arrangements. [source]
Winter food source for birds and wildlife
WildlifeThe abundant red berries provide essential nutrition for migratory birds, robins, and other wildlife during fall and winter months. The dense foliage also offers shelter and nesting habitat. [source]
Privacy screen and windbreak
HouseholdThe tall, narrow pyramidal form and dense evergreen foliage make Foster's Holly ideal for creating living screens, hedges, and windbreaks. It can block unsightly views and reduce wind impact in landscapes. [source]
Garden design and landscape architecture
CraftThe formal, columnar shape and consistent growth habit make Foster's Holly valuable in structured gardens, entries, formal borders, and as accent specimens. Often used in pairs to frame entryways. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalHolly leaves and berries have been used traditionally in folk medicine for various purposes, though modern medicinal use is limited. Historically used as a diuretic and laxative in herbal preparations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not harvested for consumption. Cut branches with berry clusters in fall/winter for holiday decorations; cut in early morning when stems are hydrated. Branches last 3-4 weeks in water indoors.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Foster's Holly is a hybrid between American Holly (Ilex opaca) and Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra), combining the best ornamental traits of both parents including superior cold hardiness and berry production
- 🌱 A single female Foster's Holly plant can produce hundreds of berries annually, but requires a nearby male holly variety (such as 'Nellie R Stevens' male) for cross-pollination and fruit set
- 🌱 Foster's Holly was originally selected and named by the Foster Nursery in Alabama in the 1950s and has become one of the most popular upright holly cultivars in American landscapes
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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