How to Identify Male and Female Holly Plants
Hollies (Ilex spp.) are dioecious, meaning that the male and female flowers occur on separate plants. Generally all female plants produce berries, while male plants do not. In order for pollination of a female plant to occur, you need at least one male plant within close proximity. Keep in mind that one male plant can pollinate several female plants. Pollination will occur through the transport of pollen by bees and other insects from the male plant to the female.
Determining the sex of a holly can be difficult prior to blooming. The best way to determine the sex of holly plants is to examine the flowers. The small clusters of creamy white flowers are located between the leaf and branch joint. Although the flowers are similar in appearance, the male plants have more prominent stamens than the female plants. Synchronization of flowering of both female and male plants is important so that pollen is available at the same time the female flowers are open. Male and female plants of the same species or similar cultivars (cultivated varieties) are needed to produce abundant berries.
Male cultivars are now available that bloom at the same time as their female counter part. Your local nursery can provide information on the best male cultivar for pollinating your holly.Robin Eifert,
Master Gardener with Cornell Cooperative
Extension of Rockland
