Ilex × attenuata 'Sunny Foster' (f/v)
holly 'Sunny Foster'
Slow-growing, conical evergreen shrub to 4m tall, with narrow, spiny green or bronze young leaves becoming bright yellow in summer, with small, white female flowers followed by red berries in autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, Neutral, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Gold Yellow | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | |||
| Autumn | Yellow | Red | ||
| Winter | Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Aquifoliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Ilex can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees with often spiny leaves, small white flowers (male and female usually on separate plants) and, on female plants, showy berries in autumn
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun. Although light shade is suitable, variegated or gold leaved cultivars have better leaf colour in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn or propagate by hardwood cuttings in January with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects, holly leaf miner and young shoots may be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to holly leaf blight, Phytophthora root rot and sometimes honey fungus
Get involved
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