Satyr Hill American Holly (Ilex opaca ‘Satyr Hill’) forms an elegant upright shape adorned with glossy, olive-green leaves showcasing distinctive spiny edges. When autumn arrives, masses of bright red berries set against the deep foliage add seasonal drama that persists into winter, making this tree a highlight during colder months. This female cultivar will produce a more abundant berry crop if a nearby male American holly provides pollination. Satyr Hill reaches about 20 to 30 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide and is a sought-after specimen for diverse landscapes.
On top of its brilliant winter color, Satyr Hill American Holly resists deer browsing and tolerates a range of conditions, from partial shade to full sun. Native to North America, it adapts well to typical garden soils, provided they’re slightly acidic and well-drained. The upright silhouette and dense branching work nicely in formal gardens, woodland edges, or any spot needing year-round structure. Birds feast on its festive berries, adding habitat value for wildlife. Whether used as a screening hedge, a singular focal point, or an ornamental background for seasonal blooms, this holly shines as a standout evergreen.
Satyr Hill American Holly Care
Give this holly a site with at least half a day of direct sunlight, although partial shade helps reduce heat stress in warmer regions. Aim for well-drained, slightly acidic soil—mix in organic matter if it’s heavy or leans alkaline. Water regularly during the first couple of seasons, allowing the top soil layer to dry lightly between sessions. Feeding with an acid-forming, slow-release fertilizer in early spring supports healthy leaf color and new growth. Layering mulch around the root zone moderates soil temperatures and helps conserve moisture.
Pruning tends to be minimal, usually done in late spring once new leaves have darkened. Remove any broken or rubbing branches, and thin lightly to maintain airflow if desired. For a more formal look, mild shearing keeps the pyramid shape sharp, but avoid removing the developing berry clusters if you want a bold winter display. Container-growing might require pruning to manage size, along with yearly root checks.
Satyr Hill American Holly Spacing
Plant holly saplings about 10 to 12 feet apart when creating a dense screen or hedge, ensuring space for their mature width. In a more relaxed design, separate them by at least 20 feet so each plant’s natural pyramidal form remains intact. For a container display, choose a pot around 18 to 20 inches wide, giving the root system enough room to expand. Upgrade to a bigger container as your holly grows to preserve proper drainage and overall vigor.
- SKU:
- 1231015247-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations