Species

1 other cultivar

‘Foster’Foster Holly

treeN. America Native

Tinga Holly

Ilex x attenuata 'Tinga'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex × attenuata, commonly known as Topel holly, is an evergreen hybrid between dahoon holly and American holly originating in the southeastern United States. It forms a dense small tree featuring glossy dark green leaves with spiny margins and small, greenish-white spring flowers.

'Tinga' is an upright female cultivar forming a neat pyramidal canopy up to 30 feet tall with bright green emerging foliage. When planted near a compatible male pollinator, it produces a heavy crop of bright red berries that mature in fall and persist through winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Dense evergreen canopy with bright green new growth and vibrant red winter berries.

Functions effectively as a dense, year-round privacy screen or windbreak.

Provides winter food for songbirds and nectar for generalist pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360"

Width

180"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Low toxicity if berries are ingested

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to partial shade with acidic, well-drained soil.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth.
Set the plant into the hole so the root crown sits slightly above soil level, then backfill and water thoroughly.
Apply a layer of acidifying organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Plant in acidic, well-drained soil alongside a compatible male holly pollinator, as female plants like 'Tinga' require cross-pollination to set fruit.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in acidic, well-drained soil to avoid iron chlorosis
Ensure a male Ilex pollinator is planted nearby for berry production
Provide afternoon shade in hot summer regions

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged or alkaline soils
Avoid pruning deep into old, leafless interior wood
Do not allow young plants to dry out completely during establishment

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Privacy ScreenSpecimen TreeFoundation PlantingHedge

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Camellia japonica Fothergilla gardenii Kalmia latifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tinga Holly questions

What zones can Tinga Holly grow in?

Tinga Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tinga Holly deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Tinga Holly, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Tinga Holly bloom?

Tinga Holly typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tinga Holly need full sun?

Tinga Holly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Tinga Holly drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Tinga Holly handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.