Ilex cornuta 'O. Spring'

'O. Spring' is a male cultivar of Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), with variegated leaves, good heat tolerance and a tolerance for heavy clay soil. It is a member of the holly family (Aquifoliaceae). 

'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. 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.

The variegated evergreen leaves give this plant good winter presence. As a staminate cultivar, 'O. Spring' is an excellent pollinizer for other Chinese hollies.

The spiny leaves make 'O. Spring' a good choice for a barrier or privacy screen or use as an impenetrable hedge, but keep it away from paths and patios where the sharp leaves might cause injury. It can also be planted as a specimen, used in small groups, or planted along a foundation. It is a superb choice for Asian, winter or pollinator gardens.

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. 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.