Ilex vomitoria 'Will Fleming'

'Will Fleming' is a fastigiate male cultivar of I. vomitoria, a species of evergreen shrubs or small trees native to the eastern United States and often found native in North Carolina. It is a member of the holly family (Aquifoliaceae).

'Will Fleming' holly is drought and salt-spray tolerant, tolerates wet soil, is easily transplanted, and has no serious pest problems. Plant in average well-drained soils in sun to partial shade.  It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can take heavy pruning.

 'Will Fleming' holly is a narrow, upright form of the species that grows up to 15 feet tall and can act as an exclamation point in the landscape. 'Will Fleming' has a tight, close-knit appearance initially, but over time as the plant matures, it opens out providing excellent vertical interest as a loose screen, accent, or border plant. 'Will Fleming' is a male cultivar and will not bear fruit but can be planted as a pollinizer for female varieties.

Use in small or vertical spaces in a native or pollinator garden. Mass plant as a low hedge or prune it into a small tree. It can be used as a container plant on a patio where the fragrant flowers can be enjoyed.

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 leafminer, spider mites, 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.