Ilex x 'Emily Bruner'

'Emily Bruner' is a hybrid cross between I. cornuta and I. latifolia initially developed by a student at the University of Tennessee. 'Emily Bruner' is an evergreen shrub or a small tree that left to grow to its full height will reach 19 1/2 feet tall. It is noted for its bright, glossy green leaves, good fruit production and a dense, broad, and pyramidal form.

The large, persistent red fruits encircle the stems, creating winter interest. This plant requires more nitrogen than other hollies to maintain the consistent dark green foliage. The flowers are not very showy, but they are pleasantly scented.

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 seed is required). It is pollinated by bees. 'Emily Bruner' is a female plant and requires a male plant as a pollinator to produce fruit. The 'James Swan' cultivator is the recommended male pollinator, but the Holly Society of America also recommends ''Blue Holly', 'Blue Stallion', 'Blue Prince' or 'Blue Boy'. They also state that any male holly that blooms at the same time (spring) can act as a pollinator.

This holly is tolerant of most soils except poorly-drained ones and can be grown in full to partial sun. It is tolerant of heat and humidity and is drought tolerant once established, making it a good choice for the south. Prune in the late winter to control its size if needed. 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.

Plant at the back of a border, use as an accent in a winter or woodland garden, or as a hedge or screening plant, in a woodland setting.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Holly leaf miner, scale, whitefly, and spider mites are occasional insect pests. Powdery mildew, leaf spot, leaf rot, and tar spot are potential disease problems. Depending on their planting location this shrub can exhibit chlorosis, leaf drop, or leaf scorch from high pH soils.