Other Names:  James G. Esson Holly, Altaclara Holly

Description:

Striking evergreen foliage is glossy, dark green with spiny edges; numerous large berries, flushing bright red by fall add color to the landscape; does best in evenly moist, acidic soil

Ornamental Features

James G. Essen Holly is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. It features an abundance of magnificent red berries from early fall to late winter. It has dark green evergreen foliage. The spiny oval leaves remain dark green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

James G. Essen Holly is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds and bees to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

James G. Essen Holly is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

James G. Essen Holly will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, acidic soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.