- Full Shade to Partial Sun (0 - 6 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 10 - 15 Feet
- Mature Spread 10 - 15 Feet
- Growing Zones 5 - 9
- Use As A Filler In Containers
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.
Satyr Hill American Holly Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 9 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Full Shade to Partial Sun (0 - 6 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 10 - 15 Feet |
Mature Spread: 10 - 15 Feet |
Spacing: 6 - 8 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Description: White |
Bloom Period: Spring |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Dark green,glossy |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Fall Interest, Winter Interest, 3 Season Interest, 4 Season Interest |
Watering: Moderate |
Resists: Deer, Rabbit, Disease, Pests & Insects |
Tolerates: Heat, Drought |
Attracts: Bees, Birds |
Container Role: Filler |
Uses: Borders, Combinations, Containers, Erosion Control, Hedges & Privacy, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point, Sensory Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Windbreaks |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Deadheading Not Necessary, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
Brand: |
Common Name: Satyr Hill American Holly |
Other Name(s): Satyr Hill |
Scientific Name: Ilex opaca `Satyr Hill` - Female |
- 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.

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

#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

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Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.