Ilex vomitoria 'Taylor's Rudolph'

'Taylor's Rudolph' is a cultivar of I. vomitoria in the Aquifoliaceae (holly) family.   The genus name Ilex is in reference to the similarity of the evergreen leaves to Quercus ilex or holm oak.  The leaves of the parent plant were used for ceremonial tea, which, when consumed in large quantities, caused a cleansing now memorialized by the specific epithet vomitoria. 'Taylor's Rudolph' is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub reaching 3 to 5 feet tall and wide with a mounded form that fills out down to the ground. This low-growing dwarf has a fine texture, plenty of red berries in fall and glossy dark green leaves all year long.

It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types and is drought tolerant once established but tolerates temporary wet conditions. It does best in full sun to partial shade and is salt tolerant but will not do well in urban pollution settings such as parking lots. It is a slow to moderate grower.  Prune in winter if needed.

The spring flowers are not ornamental significant but attract pollinators. In the fall and winter, the birds enjoy the berries.

Plants of this species are dioecious (separate male and female plants) and female plants need a male pollinator in the area in order to bear fruit. Being a female variety, it requires a male selection of the same species growing nearby in order to set fruit such as ‘Schilling’s Dwarf’,  Possomhaw, or American Holly.

'Taylor's Rudolph' can be mass planted and used as a formal hedge, a specimen, or as a foundation plant.  It is at home in a coastal garden, rock garden or middle of the border planting. It can also be grown in containers and is resistant to browsing by deer.

Fire Risk:This plant has a high flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home. Select plants with a low flammability rating for the sites nearest your home. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No insect or disease problems when planted in their native habitat.  Holly leaf miner, spider mites,  aphids, whitefly, and scale are occasional problems. Leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot, and powdery mildew are potential disease problems.

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

VIDEO: Part of a series of Native Plant Picks from the North Carolina Sea Grant Coastal Landscapes Initiative.

More information on Ilex vomitoria.