Ilex 'Scepter'

'Scepter' holly is a rapidly growing, evergreen tree, pyramidal in form, with a compact structure that it maintains without pruning. It is the result of a controlled cross of I. integra and I. × altaclerensis 'Hodginsii' made in 1960 by W. F. Kosar at the U.S. National Arboretum. In 1993, Gene Eisenbeiss named and registered the final selection, which was released to the trade. In 2009, it was named the Holly of the Year by the Holly Society of America. It is a female cultivar and a member of the holly family (Aquifoliaceae).

Plant in the full sun to partial shade in acidic well-drained soil though it tolerates a wide range of soil types, from moist to dry, including clay. The species is dioecious (meaning plants are either female or male). It is pollinated by bees and is not self-fertile. A pollinizer is required.

'Scepter' grows quickly and can reach a height of 20 feet and a width of 14 feet at maturity (about fifteen years). Its oval, dark green, nearly spineless leaves can be as large as 3 inches long and 1½ inches wide. 'Scepter' bears bright red berries in profuse clusters of two to ten; however, the plant requires a suitable male pollinizer in the vicinity. Male plants of I. × altaclerensis, I. cornuta, I. latifolia, I. × meserveae, I. integra, I. pernyi, and I. rugosa as well as hybrids of these species will work as pollinizers.

It is suitable for a formal English garden, a pollinator garden or a winter garden. Select this cultivar as an accent or specimen, or use it in dense borders, screens or foundation plantings.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Spider mites and nematodes are occasional pests.  Alkaline soils will cause the leaves to yellow.

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

More information on Ilex.