The distance won't be any problem. You can put the male some 50+ feet from the female and pollination will still occur.

Thanks for the info on the distance. I'm still nervous about transplanting it as it's a pretty well established shrub. Anyone know if these are hardy enough to handle being dug up and transplanted?

Successful transplanting will be a lot more likely if you can wait until the holly goes dormant (after it drops its leaves in the fall).

rachel,
In order to best answer your question it would be essential to know your zone and region. kt

In my previous life as a horticulturist/landscape manager, I handled transplanting of more than a few very large winterberries.

It can be done, but the average homeowner (who would ask this sort of question) is probably not adequately prepared for the task. I also agree with runk; provide info on where you garden and under what conditions.

Aside from knowing any of that, I'm going to suppose that your winterberries have been ensconced in their present spots for 8-10 years. At seven feet tall and that long in one spot, the plant you want to move should be given a root ball at least four feet in diameter (yes, that's 48") and 18-24" deep. That's a big root ball, and it will weigh nearly a ton.

I don't think that is what you bargained for. I'd be amazed if you have the capacity to handle it. You'd be able to pay someone to do it, but you could buy an awful lot of new plants for the same money without worrying if the move will be successful.

You could attempt to move this plant at smaller specifications, but you will undoubtedly experience significant dieback - which isn't the end of the world, but may not suit you.

rachel,
As much as I hate to admit it I have to agree with VV. it would likely be a monumental undertaking trying to move an ilex of that size. Why do you want to move it? Is your decision based on design or more practical reasons?
VV,
It is so strange I was just thinking about you yesterday as Doug Tallamy was lecturing last night at Polly Hill. I wanted to go but after a day of humping compost it took everything I had just to crawl into bed.
Last fall (?) you queried me about a Viburnum up at Polly Hill and I dropped the ball. Did you ever find any info about it? I am a volunteer up there now so if youÂre still looking for info let me know.

runk:

"As much as I hate to admit it I have to agree with VV."

Say it ain't so! I'm marking that on my calendar...

It is also so strange that you've commented when you have - I am planning a trip to Vineyard Haven for the Holly Society of America national conference in October (this doubles as vacation). I expect the Polly Hill Arboretum will be in top shape by then, due to your influence.

I'm trying to remember that question - was it a Viburnum melanocarpum or something like that you posted a picture of? It was an M word, I think.

I'm always interested in more info on Viburnum, except bringing home the VLB. Don't need that.

I've installed about 14 new flavors of deciduous hollies here at the Valley this spring, between Ilex decidua and Ilex verticillata and their clones. That brings me up to about 20 overall, and that includes most of Polly Hill's selections. 'Aquinnah' continues to elude me.

rachel:

Just to be most accurate, your male plant will be 'Southern Gentleman'. Your female plant which produces the fruit is a different clone entirely (maybe 'Winter Red', probably the finest female selection ever).

If you choose to hazard moving your big male plant, you might purchase and plant an additional male ('Southern Gentleman') at the same time as insurance if the original doesn't survive the move.

If you have trouble locating a 'Southern Gentleman', 'Apollo' will also polliate. I have him servicing my Winter Red females.

VV,
I'll do a little asking around about that mystery Viburnum and where in commerce you might find Ilex ÂAquinnahÂ. This spring I purchased at Polly Hill Ilex verticillata 'Maryland Beauty' is this in your collection as well? If so what do you think has it stayed true to itÂs described size of 6Â x 6Â? I have sent you an email re your trip via GW if that is no longer a current address let me know. kt

Thanks so much for the responses. I live in zone 7 (northern virginia). I want to move it b/c we are changing the layout of the backyard and, where it is, would have us practically sitting under it. I agree that I can't move it myself. I was planning to ask the landscaper who is doing the other work to do it (I haven't been able to talk with him about it yet). But it sounds like it might not be worth it. So, my other question is, if I buy a replacement, it's obviously going to be much smaller than the beautiful big female, will it still be able to serve as the pollinator for her (sorry if I have the terminology wrong)? By the way, I know the male is the southern gentleman, but I'm not sure of the female -- whatever it is it's beautiful in the winter. Thanks again!

Is there such thing as a "female" Southern Gentleman? Im asking because I purchased what was tagged a Southern Gentleman in March and out it right into the ground in Zone 7. It's now the first week in May an there are tiny things, that look like they might be berries forming. I have never had one of these before and so I'm wondering if these are berries. I'll try to attach a photo .

I bought a Sparkleberry at the same time.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Those look like flower buds. Both the male and female plants bloom, but the male plants only have stamens while the female plants don't have stamens. so you will see both bloom, but only the female will form berries.

How do I know if I bought a male or a female Southern Gentleman? By the name of the plant, Southern Gentlemen, I would thk that the plant comes in only a male version.

I just purchased a Southern Gentleman which has a female plant that was accidently planted at the time they did the 3 gallon pot. I assume it is a winter red, but not sure--is it okay that it is planted so close to the male, or should I try to separate the two into two plants? It's about 2 feet tall. I'm zone 6a. Thanks!