Ilex cornuta 'O. Spring'

'O. Spring' is a cultivar of Ilex cornuta, developed with variegated leaves, good heat tolerance and a tolerance for heavy clay soil. The parent plant is native to China and South Korea where it is often found in ravines and hills and alongside mountain paths. The specific epithet "cornuta' means horn-shaped. The flowers of 'O. Spring' are not very showy, but they are pleasantly scented. The plant is dioecious (meaning individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).

'O. Spring' is tolerant of most soils except poorly-drained ones and can be grown in full to partial sun, although for best color, you should site the plant where it will get afternoon shade. It is tolerant of heat and humidity and is drought tolerant once established, making it a good choice for the south. Prune in the late winter to control its size if needed. The fruit and variegated evergreen leaves make for winter interest in the landscape. The spiny leaves make this a good choice for a barrier or privacy screen or use as an impenetrable hedge. It can also be planted as a specimen, used in small groups, or planted along a foundation. Mature plants do not tolerate root disturbance, so it is best to site the plant in its permanent position, preferably one that provides winter protection for the first year or two.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Holly leaf miner, scale, whitefly, and spider mites are occasional insect pests. Powdery mildew, leaf spot, leaf rot, and tar spot are potential disease problems.  However, it is resistant to Phytophthora root rot. Depending on their planting location this shrub can exhibit chlorosis, leaf drop, or leaf scorch from 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 cornuta.