Perny Holly Ilex pernyi

Perny Holly, a native of Southern China and Tibet, is a tall, showy evergreen tree or shrub with beautiful berries. The leaves are small and diamond-shaped with sharply toothed margins to provide winter interest but are also sharp to the touch. The flowers are yellow but insignificant and small and berries on the female plants are red. In winter the plant is covered with bright red berries that attract birds and making it a good candidate for use as a specimen or accent plant. 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 berries are desired). It is pollinated by bees.

The plant is often used for breeding hybrids. .For example, Ilex x aquipernyi is a cross between I. aquifolium (English Holly) and I. pernyi, from which 'Meschick' (sold as Dragon Lady) is a female cultivar.

This holly is tolerant of most soils except poorly-drained ones and can be grown in full to partial sun. It is is drought tolerant once established. 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:

No known disease or insect problems.

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

More information on Ilex.