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Ilex x 'HL10-90' Christmas Jewel®

Phonetic Spelling
EYE-leks
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Ilex 'HL10-90' Christmas Jewel® holly is an open pollinated seedling of a female I. pernyi and an unknown male holly that was discovered and selected by the Head family of Seneca, South Carolina. The Christmas Jewel® holly is an upright, compact, dense evergreen tree with a  pyramidal form. It has narrow, dark green glossy leaves with spines that are blunt and do not hurt when touched. It is self-pollinating and also has a heavy set of red fruit that provides winter interest as well as winter food for wildlife. It appears to be cold hardy having survived a severe northern Delaware winter. It can be pruned, but will usually retain its shape without pruning.

This holly is tolerant of most soils except poorly-drained ones and can be grown in full to partial sun. It is is drought tolerant once established. 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.

Propagation of this plant is prohibited.

Diseases, Insect Pests, Other Plant Problems:

No known disease or insect problems.

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

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#small tree#shrub#winter interest#glossy leaves#red fruits#spiny leaves#evergreen tree
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#small tree#shrub#winter interest#glossy leaves#red fruits#spiny leaves#evergreen tree
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Ilex
    Species:
    I. pernyi
    Family:
    Aquifoliaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    South Carolina
    Distribution:
    Middle and South eastern United States.
    Fire Risk Rating:
    medium flammability
    Wildlife Value:
    Fruits are attractive to birds. Flowers attract bees. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi.
    Play Value:
    Wildlife Food Source
    Edibility:
    Use caution. Berries are slightly toxic to humans if eaten in quantity.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Erect
    Pyramidal
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
    Appendage:
    Spines
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Winter
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Description:
    Large red Winter berries are very attractive. The berries are apple red by Christmas and last until early summer. Berries appear even without a pollinator.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Insignificant
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Inconspicuous white flowers in the spring. This exclusively female plant does not need any pollinators to produce fruit.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Obovate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Medium green with blunt spines.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Light Gray
    Surface/Attachment:
    Smooth
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Naturalized Area
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Barrier
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Songbirds
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Minor toxicity. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other illness in humans.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Saponins
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Fruits