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🎁 HOLIDAY OFFER 🎁
Free Shipping on 5 or More Plants
Offer Expires Jan 1st

Apollo Deciduous Holly

Ilex serrata x verticellata "Apollo"

$23.00

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 3-9

This hybrid deciduous holly was developed and released by the U.S. National Arboretum as a pollenator for their variety 'Sparkleberry'. Apollo is not unattractive but is best planted as a background plant in proximity to pollenate the showy fruitful female 'Sparkleberry' so as to obtain 'Sparkleberry's abundant and colorful red berries. Plant in sun or semi-shade in moist to ordinary well-drained garden soil.

Plant Specs
  • Zones: 3 to 9
  • Sun: Full Sun and Part Shade
  • Soil: Well-drained, Moist, and Acid
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Hardiness Zones: 3 - 9

Soil: Well-drained, Moist, and Acid

Sun: Full Sun and Part Shade

Seasonal Behavior: Evergreen

Growth Rate: Moderate

Height at Maturity: 8 - 12 Feet

Spread at Maturity: 4 - 6 Feet

Foliage: The leaves are dark green, elliptic, and provide a dense, deciduous appearance. The foliage turns yellow in the fall before dropping.

Flowers: Produces small, inconspicuous white flowers in late spring to early summer. As a male plant, Ilex "Apollo" does not produce berries but is essential for pollinating nearby female hollies.

Read full care instruction manual here.

Light Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade. "Apollo" Winterberry thrives best in full sun, which promotes the best berry production and dense foliage. However, it can tolerate partial shade, particularly in warmer climates, though flowering and fruiting may be reduced in lower light conditions.

Soil Requirements: Prefers moist, well-draining, acidic soil. Ilex "Apollo" thrives in rich, loamy soil with a pH range of 4.5-6.5. The plant is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. Adding organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, helps improve soil structure and fertility, which is beneficial for optimal growth.

Watering: Requires regular watering, particularly during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season. Ilex "Apollo" does not tolerate drought well, so consistent moisture is key to maintaining healthy growth and fruit production. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Temperature and Humidity: Hardy in USDA zones 3-9. Ilex "Apollo" is well-suited to a range of climates and can tolerate cold winters, making it an excellent choice for colder regions. It prefers moderate humidity levels but can adapt to varying conditions. Winter protection is not usually necessary, but mulching can help protect the roots in extremely cold climates.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering. A second application in mid-summer can help sustain the plant during its active growing period. Organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure, are also beneficial for maintaining soil fertility and supporting overall plant health.

Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Since this hybrid is typically male and does not produce berries, pruning can be more extensive if needed to control size or shape. Pruning also encourages bushier growth.

Pests and Problems: Generally pest-resistant but may occasionally encounter issues with common garden pests like aphids or scale insects. Ensuring good air circulation around the plant can help prevent fungal diseases such as leaf spot or powdery mildew. If pests or diseases are detected, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Regular monitoring and good garden hygiene are key to maintaining plant health.

Grown in Aiken, S.C.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.