Family
Aquifoliaceae
Botanical Name
ILEX 'Xia Xiang'(DIXIE DREAM™) PP10526
Plant Common Name
Dixie Dream™ Holly, Hybrid Holly
General Description
The finely textured, pyramidal Dixie Dream™ is an outstanding holly for many landscape applications. Its red berries brighten the fall and winter and its small, spiny, evergreen leaves look appealing all year long. This vigorous hybrid is a cross between Ilex opaca and I. myrtifolia and is considered far superior to the common and comparable cultivar, ‘Foster 2’.
Hollies are dioecious, which means plants have either male or female flowers. All berry producers, like Dixie Dream™, are female and need male plants nearby for pollination and subsequent fruit set. Any male-flowered American holly (Ilex opaca) will suffice. The wondrous red fruits are most beautiful in late fall and winter and attract songbirds.
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 hardy and perfect for tall hedges, large foundations or mixed borders. It also makes a superb specimen plant and its pretty boughs can be cut and enjoyed indoors for holiday decorating. If left unpruned, its branches will develop a pendulous appearance with age.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
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Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
10'-15' / 3.0m - 4.6m
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Width
6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Pyramidal
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, 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
Sandy Brown, 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
Fine
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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
