Ilex, American Holly
Ilexopaca 'Bittersweet'

Family: Aquifoliaceae (a-kwee-foh-lee-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Ilex (EYE-leks)
Species: opaca (oh-PAK-uh)
Cultivar: Bittersweet

Category
Trees

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Evergreen
Provides Winter Interest
This plant is resistant to deer

Foliage Color
Blue-Green

Height
20-30 ft. (6-9 m)

Spacing
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color
White/Near White
Inconspicuous/none

Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer

Other details

Soil pH requirements
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From hardwood cuttings
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors
By grafting

Seed Collecting
Remove fleshy coating on seeds before storing
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored