Holly of the Year 2024

 


Ilex opaca ‘Longwood Gardens’

Members of the Holly Society have chosen a yellow-fruited selection of our native American holly, Ilex opaca ‘Longwood Gardens’, to be the Holly of the Year for 2024. ‘Longwood Gardens’ was introduced to the nursery trade in the 1950s by Pierre S. du Pont, who had obtained the plant from his brother-in-law, F. L. Belin. ‘Longwood Gardens’ matures into a broadly conical evergreen tree with attractive, dense foliage, and grows up to 30 feet tall under ideal conditions. It can be planted in full sun to part shade, and is suitable for tall hedges, naturalistic plantings, or standalone specimens. Any nearby American holly male will ensure its pollination, leading to bright yellow fruits which provide food for winter wildlife. ‘Longwood Gardens’ is hardy in Zones 5b-9.

Ilex opaca ‘Longwood Gardens’
Photos: Jim Resch

Ilex opaca ‘Longwood Gardens’