Will a "Dragon Lady" holly tree self-pollinate?
We're considering purchasing a "Dragon Lady" holly tree. One source indicated that it will self-pollinate; others indicate that a Blue holly (male) is needed. What do you recommend?
Answer
Dragon Lady is an upright narrow conical (somewhat columnar) holly that will get 15 feet tall at maturity. It has lustrous dark green spine-tipped foliage (very spiny) and is most useful as a hedge or barrier planting. It is a female cultivar, which needs a male cultivar for pollination in order to produce red fruit. Blue Stallion and Blue Prince are suggested pollinators. If there are male "blue" hollies closeby, you may not need to plant one to pollinate your Dragon Lady. Here is a link to additional information about the Dragon Lady:
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d243