(February) I purchased
an Ilex decidua (Warren's Red) about three years ago from a local nursery. It has
done well growth wise. It does have small blooms on it every year, but they all
fall off. My question is: Do I have a male bush or a female bush that isn't
being pollinated? Is there any way to tell?
The way to tell, is to dissect a bloom when it is in flower. If it is a male plant, the flowers will have several stamens with yellow pollen. If it is female, there should be one lone pistil in the center of the flower. The flowers are small, but can be easily taken apart. If you are unsure, take a sample to your county agent.