Rotunda Holly Ilex cornuta 'Rotunda'

'Rotunda' is a cultivar of Ilex cornuta developed as a dense, compact, rounded shrub that, at 1 3/5 to 4 feet tall, is significantly smaller that its parent.  The specific epithet "cornuta' means horn-shaped from the shape of the leaves on the parent plant. 'Rotunda' flowers 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).

'Rotunda' requires little care and has very spiney foliage, is moderately salt tolerant, drought tolerant, easily transplanted, and does well in clay and alkaline soils as long as they are well-drained. This holly can be grown in full to partial sun and is tolerant of heat and humidity, making it a good choice for the south. Prune in the late winter to control its size if needed. The fruit and 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:

This plant can have pest 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.

More information on Ilex cornuta.