Mark A. Miller
Family
Aquifoliaceae
Botanical Name
ILEX 'Mary Nell'
Plant Common Name
Hybrid Holly, Mary Nell Holly
General Description
The vigorous and pretty holly ‘Mary Nell’ graces the fall and winter with branches lined with spiny glossy leaves and small red berries. It has a pyramidal habit and its oval leaves have many flattened spines that are sharp to the touch. They are brighter green when they emerge in spring and quickly deepen to dark glossy green. This hybrid resulted from a complex cross between (Ilex cornuta x I. pernyi) and I. latifolia.
Hollies are dioecious, which means plants have either male or female flowers. All berry producers, like ‘Mary Nell’, are female and need male plants nearby for pollination and subsequent fruit set. Any male Perny or Chinese holly will serve as an effective cross-pollinator. The mature fruits of 'Mary Nell' are bright red and held tightly in small clusters along the stems. Later in the season songbirds eat the berries.
This holly accepts most well-drained soils but prefers slightly acid loam. It grows well in full or partial sun and will tolerate drought and summer heat well once established. Too much shade will induce leggy growth and sparse foliage. It is a fast-growing, pest-free plant that is perfect for tall hedges, large planters or mixed borders. It also makes a superb specimen plant and its pretty boughs can be cut and enjoyed indoors for holiday decorating.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 9
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Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
18'-25' / 5.5m - 7.6m
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Width
10'-15' / 3.0m - 4.6m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Red, Orange Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
No
