Ilex 'Cherry Bomb'

'Cherry Bomb' holly is an evergreen shrub cultivar in the holly family (Aquifoliaceae). This cultivar was selected at the US National Arboretum. It is a hybrid of Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens' (the seed parent) and another species, probably Ilex integra (the pollen parent). 

'Cherry Bomb' prefers sun or part shade, but does best in a shaded site. Soil should be slightly acidic, moist, and well-drained. You can prune this plant to control its growth, a practice best done in winter. This plant has better heat tolerance than many of the hollies, and is a good selection for hot southern areas, but is not particularly cold hardy.

'Cherry Bomb' is a slow-growing evergreen shrub, small and rounded in habit, with glossy, nearly spineless, leaves and abundant large red berries that add interest to the landscape from fall through spring. It typically measures 3 or 4 feet high and wide, but if allowed to mature without pruning, can reach a height and width of 12 feet. 

It is a popular landscaping plant in the south, especially Texas, and makes an excellent specimen plant, foundation plant, or for placement in the middle of a border. Plant it under the shade of some deciduous tree or use it as a privacy hedge.  

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to holly leaf miner, spider mites, whitefly, and scale. Disease problems include leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot and powdery mildew. Also susceptible to leaf drop, leaf scorch and chlorosis (yellowing of leaves in high pH soils).

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and insect pests.

More information on Ilex.