SYCAMORE TREE
This is a great tree as a stand alone in an ornamental situation or it also performs as a hedge, especially if you want to punish an intruder. The little thorns all along the edge of the leaf won’t stab but they will definitely irritate. The dark green color is dynamic against a lighter colored backdrop. This is a slow grower. It’s not a shade tree as other Hollie species can be. All in all, you will always love this tree.
Consider using this holly as a standout specimen shrub or integrate it into a mixed hedge with other bird-friendly plants. Its striking profile can be truly appreciated when planted against a light background or given space to showcase its best features. If you’re placing it in a bed with shorter shrubs, ensure there’s 3-4 feet of clearance around the holly.
This evergreen holly, known for its glossy leaves, has been cherished in Southern landscapes for decades. It forms a neat pyramidal shape and can grow to an impressive height of 15-25 feet (4.6-6.1 meters). ‘Nellie Stevens’ is likely a hybrid between English holly (I. aquifolium) and Chinese holly (I. cornuta), featuring thick leaves with classic holly teeth. In spring, its flowers can be pollinated by nearby Chinese hollies that bloom simultaneously, resulting in an abundance of bright red berries come winter—a vibrant display that provides food and nesting spots for birds like cedar waxwings, mockingbirds, robins, and woodpeckers.
While it thrives in acidic soil, this adaptable plant prefers moist conditions initially but requires little pruning to maintain its natural beauty. It flourishes best under good sunlight yet tolerates partial shade well; once established, it’s remarkably drought-resistant and heat-tolerant within USDA Zones 6 – 9.
Bougainvillea offers another versatile option—it can be cultivated into various hedge sizes or grown as a vine for creative garden designs. As a colorful hedge alternative to the typical viburnum found on many Florida properties or trained as vines over arches and pergolas, bougainvillea adds vibrant charm wherever it’s planted—whether forming grand archways over paths or elegantly covering walls over time.