Foster No. 2 Holly

Ilex x attenuata ‘Fosteri’ – (Clone 2)

The Foster No. 2 holly is a popular hybrid holly native to the North American continent. Introduced into cultivation during the 1950s by E. E. Foster of Foster Nursery in Bessemer, Alabama, the tree is a cultivar of a commonly occurring cross between the Dahoon holly (Ilex cassine) and the American holly (Ilex opaca). Oddly, it is one of five original clones all named Foster holly by E. E. Foster. Clones one and five are no longer available in commerce, and clone four is a male plant uncommonly available. Clones two and three are female plants which are commonly available but are virtually indistinguishable. As a beautiful evergreen holly used in various landscapes, the Foster No. 2 holly is heralded as being partially self pollinating – meaning it does not require a male pollenizer to produce berries. All hollies are dioecious – meaning that male and female flowers are borne on separate plants, but the Foster No. 2 holly is also partially parthenocarpic. This means the tree can produce sterile fruit without a male pollenizer. Although not strictly required, the Foster No. 2 holly will produce berries in spectacular numbers when planted with a male holly present. Almost any male that flowers in the springtime will do. We suggest the Big John holly because of its similar genetic heritage. A medium rate grower, this holly is a pyramidally-shaped evergreen that lends itself to shape trimming. Planting instruction can be found at boydnursery.net/arrival-care-notes/.