Chinese Holly Ilex cornuta

Chinese holly is from China and Korea, where it is often found in ravines and hills and alongside mountain paths. It is a member of the holly family (Aquifoliaceae). The meaning of the specific epithet is “horned” and refers to the leaf, which typically has one or few, stout spines.

This holly is tolerant of most soils except poorly-drained ones and can be grown in full to partial sun. 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, but keep in mind that next year's blossoms and berries will appear on new growth. The fruit and evergreen leaves make for winter interest in the landscape. 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.

In the landscape, it can be grown as a hedge up to 15 feet tall or trained to be a small tree up to 25 feet tall. Cultivars usually range from 3 feet to 10 feet in height. The flowers are not very showy, but they are pleasantly scented. The plant is dioecious (meaning individual flowers are either male or female), and only female plants bear fruits. It is pollinated by bees. In the Chinese holly, the fruiting pedicles are just over ½ inch long, and the endocarps (pyrenes) are bony and pitted or wrinkled.

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. It has been known to escape cultivation and naturalize in some states, including North Carolina and Alabama.

Insects, Diseases, 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. This plant does spread rapidly and has been listed by USDA as an invasive species in Georgia. 

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

More information on Ilex.