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Holly, Possumhaw Yaupon
Ilex decidua 'Warren's Red'
Possumhaw ‘Warren’s Red’ is a selected female cultivar of the Texas native Ilex decidua, prized for its deep red berries that persist through winter. Unlike the species, which is typically grown from seed and produces both male and female plants, ‘Warren’s Red’ is exclusively propagated by stem cuttings to ensure its berry-producing traits. This process is challenging, with a failure rate of 25 to 40%, making the plant more difficult to produce in quantity. However, its striking winter display makes it highly sought after for landscapes.
Like the standard Possumhaw, ‘Warren’s Red’ thrives in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, as long as they are well-draining. It is highly adaptable to Texas landscapes, tolerating both periodic drought and seasonal flooding, making it a great choice for areas with fluctuating moisture levels. It grows well in full sun to partial shade, but the best berry production occurs in locations with ample sunlight. This cultivar is deer-resistant and non-toxic, making it a safe and reliable choice for residential landscapes.
At maturity, ‘Warren’s Red’ reaches a height of 15 to 20 feet with a spread of 10 to 15 feet. It is commonly used as a specimen tree or in naturalized groupings, where its bright berries create a striking contrast against its bare winter branches. When planting multiple specimens, spacing of at least 10 to 15 feet is recommended to allow for proper growth. Since this cultivar is female, a male Ilex decidua must be nearby for optimal fruit production.
This deciduous holly loses its leaves in winter, but the dense berry clusters provide seasonal interest long after the foliage has dropped. In cold regions, occasional branch dieback may occur, but the plant is hardy and typically rebounds in the spring. If shaping or pruning is necessary, it is best done in late winter before new growth emerges.
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Winter Specimen |
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Female Only Cultivar - Deep Red Berries |
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Drought & Flood tolerant |
Flower Color:White
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Height:15-20 Feet
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Spread:10-15 Feet
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Spacing:10-15 feet
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USDA Hardiness Zone 6b
Available Sizes:
| Item |
Description |
| HOL-POS-30 |
#030 HOLLY, POSSUM HAW (Warrens Red) |
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Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Full Sun |
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Full Sun to Part Shade |
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Full Shade |
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Texas Native
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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Toxic to Pets
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