Foster Holly
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Moderate (1-2 ft/year)
- Full Sun to Part Shade
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Deer resistant
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About Foster Holly
Foster Holly (Ilex x attenuata 'Fosteri') is a naturally occurring hybrid between American Holly and Dahoon Holly, combining a graceful, narrow pyramidal form with fine-textured, small spiny leaves that give it a softer, more refined look than either parent species. It grows at a moderate pace to 20-25 feet tall and only 10-12 feet wide, making it a good middle-ground option between the wide-spreading Burford Holly and the very narrow Emerald Green Arborvitae for Lawrenceville property lines. Foster Holly produces abundant small red berries in fall that persist well into winter and are a favorite of songbirds, and because it sets fruit reliably it is popular as both a screening plant and a specimen tree near entrances. It adapts well to Georgia's clay soils and tolerates both full sun and part shade, though foliage density and berry production are best in more sun. Its finer-textured leaves and elegant pyramidal habit make it a slightly more formal-looking alternative to bulkier hollies for foundation and screening use.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 20-25 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 10-12 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Moderate — weekly until established, then drought tolerant |
| Bloom Season | N/A (small spring flowers, grown for foliage) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate (1-2 ft/year) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
| Pet Safe | Check with a vet |
| Native to Georgia | No |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
Plant Foster Holly in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil; in Georgia clay, set the root ball slightly high and mulch generously. Space plants 6-8 feet apart for a screen. Water deeply twice a week during the first growing season, then reduce frequency as the root system establishes. Light pruning after berry season maintains its naturally narrow pyramidal form.
Fast Facts
- Mature height: 20-25 ft, width 10-12 ft
- Fine-textured, small spiny leaves — softer look than Burford Holly
- Natural hybrid of American and Dahoon Holly
- Heavy, long-lasting red berry crop
- Deer resistant, tolerates sun to part shade
- Elegant narrow pyramidal form, good for specimen or screen use
Pairs Well With
Foster Holly FAQs
How is Foster Holly different from American Holly?
Foster Holly is a naturally occurring hybrid with finer, smaller leaves and a narrower, more formal pyramidal shape than American Holly, and it grows somewhat faster. Both are excellent for Georgia landscapes, but Foster Holly's more refined texture suits entrance plantings and tighter screens especially well.
Is Foster Holly deer resistant?
Yes, Foster Holly is considered deer resistant, making it a reliable choice for Gwinnett County properties bordering wooded areas with regular deer traffic. As with any "deer resistant" plant, hungry deer in a hard winter may still sample new growth occasionally, but damage is typically minimal.