American Holly

About this plant

Ilex opaca 'Satyr Hill' is a distinguished American Holly known for its dense, pyramidal form and exceptionally abundant, long-lasting red fruit that provides brilliant color throughout fall and winter. This cultivar is particularly cold-hardy and maintains its rich green foliage even in harsh conditions, making it an excellent choice for a sturdy, attractive focal point. Ideal for creating a living screen, a specimen tree, or as part of a mixed border, 'Satyr Hill' offers valuable winter interest and provides shelter and food for local wildlife. Its traditional conical shape adds a touch of classic elegance to any landscape design. The glossy, dark green leaves are a beautiful backdrop for the vivid berries, creating a stunning contrast that will enhance your garden's aesthetic during the colder months.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. Requires both male and female plants for berry production; 'Satyr Hill' is a female cultivar and needs a nearby male American Holly for pollination. Pruning is generally not required but can be done to maintain shape or size.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.