Rotunda Holly Ilex cornuta 'Rotunda'

The Dwarf Chinese Holly or "Rotunda' is a cultivar of Ilex cornuta and is a dense, compact, rounded shrub that measures 3 to 4 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, and is significantly smaller than its parent.  It is a female clone and usually does not set fruits. The flowers, if present, are not very showy, but they are pleasantly scented.  The leaves are deep green, thick, glossy, rectangular-shaped, and have 5 to 7 spines. 

This dwarf broadleaf evergreen shrub originated from seed in 1930 at a nursery in Louisiana. 

The genus name, Ilex, is the Latin name for the Quercus ilex which is the holm oak. The foliage of the holm oak is very similar to many shrubs in the Ilex genus. The specific epithet, cornuta, means horn or horn-shaped. The cultivar name, 'Rotunda,' means rounded and refers to the shrubs habit.

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. It requires little care and is moderately salt tolerant and drought-tolerant. It does well in clay and alkaline soils as long as they are well-drained. 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 also make this a good choice for a barrier or privacy screen or use as an impenetrable hedge.

The Dwarf Chinese Holly can 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.

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Spring     Foliage:  Year-round      Fruits:  Fall and Winter

Quick ID Hints:

• dwarf, rounded, mounding broadleaf evergreen 3 to 6 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide
• thick, glossy, dark green leaves, rectangular with 5 to 7 spines
• fragrant, inconspicuous white flowers
• typically no fruits, if present red berry-like drupes

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: This plant can have pest problems. Holly leaf miners, scale, whiteflies, 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.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University

More information on Ilex cornuta.