By Guest Columnist Eddie Smith
I recently saw two grand weeping yaupon hollies growing at a business in Columbia, Mississippi, and was reminded of how useful these trees are in the landscape. Their graceful, cascading branches and finely textured foliage created an elegant presence.
In fall and winter, weeping yaupon hollies are adorned with abundant bright red berries, which stand out beautifully against the deep green foliage. These berries add an important splash of color to the seasonal landscape.
This fruit persists well into winter, attracting bird species such as mockingbirds, cedar waxwings, robins and bluebirds. These birds eagerly feast on the berries during colder months when other food sources are scarce.
Additionally, the dense branching structure provides excellent shelter and nesting sites for small birds, offering protection from predators and harsh weather.
This North American native is well suited for our warm Southern climates. It grows best in full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages more dense growth and better berry production. The plant adapts well to sandy, loam or clay soils, as long as the soil of choice is well-draining. Another impressive feature of this tree is its drought tolerance once established. It also can handle occasional wet conditions, making it a versatile choice for landscapes with varying moisture levels.
While it can be pruned to shape, it naturally maintains its elegant, weeping habit without much intervention. It’s also highly resistant to pests and diseases, which makes it even more appealing as a durable landscape choice.
It has varied landscape uses. It works beautifully as a specimen tree, where its unique form can be fully appreciated as a focal point in gardens, courtyards or entryways. It also can be used in foundation plantings to soften the edges of buildings with its flowing branches. It is particularly effective in coastal landscapes, where its heat, humidity and salt tolerance allow it to thrive. It performs well in naturalized settings, blending seamlessly with native plantings, or even in Japanese-inspired gardens, where its cascading branches contribute to a serene atmosphere.
For those looking to include the plant in a smaller space, weeping yaupon holly can be trained into a patio tree or grown in large containers.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Eddie Smith is a gardening specialist and Pearl River County coordinator with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. He is also host of the popular Southern Gardening television program. Locate Southern Gardening products online at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/southern-gardening.
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