Ilex x koehneana

Koehne holly is an evergreen hybrid shrub in the Aquifoliaceae family.  It is a cross between I. aquifolium and I. latifolia. There are several cultivars and they can be 6-25 feet tall and wide. These hybrid hollies are dioecious (separate male and female plants) so female plants need a male pollinator in order to bear fruit. One male holly can pollinate several female hollies. Koehne Holly has a dense upright pyramidal shape with evergreen glossy spiny leaves and bright red berries in the fall.

Grow these plants in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Avoid proorly drained clay soils. Although they are more heat tolerant than their parents, they will do better if given some protection from the afternoon sun in hot climates and protection from winter winds. 

Use this shrub or small tree as a specimen, in small groups or as a tall screen. Prune in winter if needed.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Potential insect problems include holly leaf miner, spider mites, whitefly and scale. Potential disease problems include leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot and powdery mildew. Plants are also susceptible to leaf drop, leaf scorch and chlorosis (yellowing of leaves in high pH soils).

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

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

More information on Ilex.