Ilex decidua aka Possom Haw Holly

Taxonomy

Ilex decidua, also known as meadow holly, possumhaw, deciduous holly, or swamp holly, is a rare holly species native to the United States. Unlike most holly species, possumhaw holly loses its leaves every winter, but produces beautiful berries in fall and winter that can be red, orange, or yellow. This small holly tree can grow up to 20 feet high, but is often grown as a shrub or clump. It is a useful and ornamental plant that can serve as a screen or hedge. When growing deciduous holly, it is important to have mostly female plants for their exceptional fall and winter display. Possum-Haw Holly is also a rare houseplant that thrives in direct light and needs regular watering to maintain its soil moisture. When repotting, it's best to double the pot size instead of adding fertilizers. Overall, possom-haw holly is a beautiful and unique addition to any garden or indoor plant collection.

Common names

Possom Haw Holly, Possum Haw

How to care for Possom Haw Holly

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Possom Haw Holly, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Possom Haw Holly should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Possom Haw Holly, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Possum Haw is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Possom Haw Holly will thrive!

Lighting

Possom Haw Holly requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Possum Haw will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Possom Haw Holly plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Possom Haw Holly is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

The Possom Haw Holly is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia