Ilex 'Scepter'

'Scepter' Holly is an evergreen tree, pyramidal in form, with a compact structure it maintains without pruning. It is a rapidly growing holly and 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 made its final selection as a U.S. National Arboretum introduction and named and registered it. In 2009, it was named the Gene Eisenbeiss Holly of the year. '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 is female and requires a suitable male pollinator 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 pollinators.

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 individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant, thus both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). It is pollinated by bees and is not self-fertile.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Spider mites and nematodes are occasional pests.  Alkaline soils will cause the leaves to yellow.

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