EAST PALATKA HOLLY
East Palatka Holly (Ilex × attenuata ‘East Palatka’) is a classic Florida landscape tree, valued for its evergreen foliage, bright red berries, and elegant pyramidal form. Here’s a detailed guide:
✅ General Characteristics
Origin: Discovered in 1927 near East Palatka, Florida; a natural hybrid of Dahoon holly (Ilex cassine) and American holly (Ilex opaca).
Size:
Height: 30–45 ft
Spread: 10–15 ft
Shape: Moderately tight pyramidal or columnar crown.
Leaves: Broad, dull green, rounded with a single spine at the tip and few along the edges (less spiny than other hollies).
Flowers & Fruit:
Flowers: Small, greenish-white, not showy (spring).
Fruit: Bright red berries in fall and winter, especially toward the top; attracts birds.
Growth Rate: Moderate; faster than American holly.
USDA Zones: 7A–9B (ideal for most of Florida).
✅ Why It Thrives in Florida
Heat & Humidity Tolerance: Performs well in Florida’s subtropical climate.
Drought Tolerance: High once established, though prefers moist, well-drained soils.
Urban Friendly: Handles confined spaces and some pollution; great for street trees and parking lot islands.
Wildlife Benefits: Berries attract birds; flowers visited by pollinators.
✅ Care & Maintenance
Light: Full sun or partial shade; more sun = more berries.
Soil: Prefers rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil; struggles in alkaline soils (may cause chlorosis).
Watering:
Establishment: Water deeply and regularly.
Mature: Drought-tolerant but benefits from irrigation during long dry spells.
Salt Tolerance: Moderate aerosol salt tolerance (okay for inland coastal areas, not direct saltwater flooding).
Pruning: Minimal; best left natural for graceful form. Can be shaped for hedges or screens.
Fertilization: Use slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring; mulch to retain moisture.
✅ Landscape Uses
Specimen Tree: Elegant pyramidal form makes a striking focal point.
Privacy Screens & Hedges: Can be planted in rows for uniform appearance.
Urban Planting: Ideal for street trees, parking lots, and small yards.
Wildlife Gardens: Provides food and shelter for birds.
✅ Florida-Specific Tips
Plant in fall or early spring for best root establishment before summer heat.
Avoid alkaline soils; amend with organic matter if needed.
Space trees 8–12 ft apart for screens or hedges.
Protect young trees from prolonged drought until established.
