Pollination Info for Screen Play Holly

Screen Play Holly (Ilex integra × latifolia ‘Screen Play’) is a hybrid variety of holly that produces both male and female flowers on the same plant. This means that it is a self-fertile plant, meaning that it does not require another plant to pollinate it in order to produce fruit. However, having multiple plants nearby can increase the quantity of fruit that is produced.

The flowers of Screen Play Holly bloom in the spring and are small and inconspicuous. They are followed by bright red berries that mature in the fall and persist through the winter. These berries are a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife.

Screen Play Holly is known for its dense growth habit and attractive evergreen foliage, making it a popular choice for hedging and screening. It is also a low-maintenance plant that is resistant to pests and diseases.

Overall, Screen Play Holly is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for an attractive, self-fertile, and low-maintenance plant that provides valuable food for wildlife.

Screen Play Holly (Ilex integra × latifolia ‘Screen Play’)

FAQ

1. What is Screen Play Holly?

Screen Play Holly is a popular evergreen shrub that is a hybrid of Ilex integra and Ilex latifolia. It is known for its dense and compact growth habit, making it an ideal privacy screen or hedge plant in landscaping.

2. What are the characteristics of Screen Play Holly?

The foliage of Screen Play Holly is glossy, dark green, and leathery. It has a columnar shape with a moderate growth rate, reaching a height of 8-10 feet and a spread of 3-4 feet at maturity. It also produces small, white flowers in the spring and red berries in the fall, which are a favorite food for birds.

3. What are the growing requirements for Screen Play Holly?

Screen Play Holly prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of different soil types and pH levels, but does best in slightly acidic soil. It requires regular watering, especially during the first year of growth, but is drought tolerant once established. Pruning can be done in the late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and size.

4. Is Screen Play Holly susceptible to pests or diseases?

Screen Play Holly is generally considered to be a low maintenance and pest resistant plant. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, and leaf spot disease if the growing conditions are not optimal. Proper care and maintenance can help prevent these issues.

5. How is Screen Play Holly propagated?

Screen Play Holly can be propagated through hardwood cuttings or by grafting onto rootstock. It can also be grown from seeds, but this method is less common due to the variability of the offspring.

6. Can Screen Play Holly be used in container gardening?

While Screen Play Holly can be grown in containers, it is not recommended for long-term growth as it prefers a larger soil volume and may outgrow the container. It is best suited for landscaping as a hedge or privacy screen plant.

7. How does Screen Play Holly compare to other holly varieties?

Screen Play Holly is unique in its columnar growth habit, making it ideal for narrow spaces or as a hedge. It also has a moderate growth rate and is relatively low maintenance. Other holly varieties may have different growth habits, foliage colors, and growth rates, so it’s important to research and choose the right variety for your specific landscaping needs.

8. Is Screen Play Holly deer resistant?

Screen Play Holly is considered to be deer resistant due to its dense foliage and thorny leaves. However, in areas with high deer populations, it’s possible that deer may still browse on the plant.

Planting & Care for Screen Play Holly

The Screen Play Holly (Ilex integra × latifolia ‘Screen Play’) is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that is perfect for creating a privacy screen or hedge. Here are a few tips for planting and caring for your Screen Play Holly:

Planting

• Choose a location that receives full to partial sun (at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
• The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter.
• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
• Place the shrub in the hole and backfill with soil, firming it down with your hands or a tool.
• Water thoroughly after planting and then regularly (about once a week) for the first year.

Care

• Water: The Screen Play Holly needs regular watering during its first year after planting. After that, it is drought-tolerant and only needs watering during periods of prolonged drought.
• Fertilizer: Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in the fall as it can encourage new growth that may not have time to harden off before winter.
• Pruning: Prune the Screen Play Holly in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Prune to shape and remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
• Pests and Diseases: The Screen Play Holly is generally disease and pest-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot, scale, and spider mites. Keep an eye out for these and treat as needed.

With proper planting and care, the Screen Play Holly can provide a beautiful and functional addition to your landscape for years to come.