Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman'
Ilex verticillata ‘Southern Gentleman’ is a deciduous male holly essential for the pollination of female red-berried holly varieties, renowned for its vigor and reliable spring flowering. This selection does not produce berries, but plays a key role in ensuring abundant fruiting in nearby female cultivars. Its overall habit is upright, dense, and well-branched, with a silhouette slightly taller than it is wide, ideal for naturalist mass plantings, mixed hedges, and discreet utilitarian plantings. The medium green, oval, finely toothed deciduous foliage offers a light texture in season and disappears in winter, leaving behind a sober structure. Very hardy and tolerant, ‘Southern Gentleman’ adapts well to moist to fresh soils and has significant ecological value in supporting biodiversity through pollination. It is an indispensable choice for ensuring the success of female hollies in northern gardens.
Care guide
Light, soil, water and hardiness
Blooming, foliage and shape
Size and growth
Pets
Pollinators
Deer
The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.
