Wirt L. Winn Holly
COMMON NAME: Koehne holly
BOTANICAL NAME: Ilex x koehneana
TYPE: Broadleaf evergreen
FAMILY: Aquifoliaceae
ZONE: 6 to 9
HEIGHT: 20 to 25 feet
SPREAD: 8 to 15 feet
HABIT: Wirt L. Winn is an interesting variety of Koehne holly. Ilex x koehneana, commonly called Koehne holly, is a cross between I. aquifolium and I. latifolia. Medium to large growing holly with dark green, heavily serrated leaves. New growth is tinged burgundy / purple. Moderate to fast growth – can handle full sun to part shade. Very nice, yet seldom seen holly. Growth rate: Moderate to fast ( 8″-12″ average per year). Berries – produces rather large round holly berries which average approximately 1/4″ – 3/8″ in diameter. Berries start out in summer as a light green color, and gradually ripen to a nice deep red in mid fall. Berries generally persist through winter.
New growth showing bronzy color
CULTURE: Hardiness Zones: 6 – 9. Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun. Soil Preference: Average to slightly sandy & acidic – well drained. Mulching strongly recommended. Easy to grow, especially under the organic program. Should be used much more.
USES: Makes an excellent landscape specimen due to its nice size, and beautiful foliage. Natural growth habit is strongly pyramidal, and requires little to no help to maintain such a shape. Bears very large, handsome fruits in abundance – good berry producer.
Cutter bee damage
PROBLEMS: Diseases / Insects: Rather trouble free, with scale problems occasionally reported – roots do not thrive in poorly drained soils. Leaf cutting bees will do some cosmetic damage but are not a big problem.
