Story and Photos by David Longron
Perhaps nothing frames a home quite as well as pyramidal evergreen hollies gracing the corners or entranceway. The problem is that many popular varieties will eat the entire house if not pruned often and severely. Oakland holly, with its compact and naturally pyramidal growth habit, reduces pruning to a minimum. It also is self-pollinating, producing lovely red berries for winter accents, as well as serving as a pollinator for other hollies. Oakland is a “sport,” a naturally occurring mutation, discovered by Jack Magee in 1994 at his nursery. It was trademarked as Oakland in 2003. It is hardy in all zones of Arkansas and thrives in sun to partial shade. It can also be pruned into a dense hedge.
Quick Facts and Keys to Success
Common Name: Oakland holly
Botanical Name: Ilex x ‘Magland’
Zones: 6-9
Type: Evergreen shrub
Size: 8-10 feet wide by 12-20 feet tall
Exposure: Partial to full sun
Soil: Will do best in a moist, well-drained location, but tolerant of most locations.
Water Requirements: Moderate
Pruning: If pyramidal, almost none. For a hedge, one or two times a year.
Uses: Excellent accent plant in formal or informal landscapes or as a dense background hedge or low screen.