Plant DetailShow Menu

Ilex 'Scepter'

Common Name(s):

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

'Scepter' Holly is an evergreen tree, pyramidal in form, with a compact structure it maintains without pruning. It is a rapidly growing holly and the result of a controlled cross of I. integra and I. × altaclerensis 'Hodginsii' made in 1960 by W. F. Kosar at the U.S. National Arboretum. In 1993, Gene Eisenbeiss made its final selection as a U.S. National Arboretum introduction and named and registered it. In 2009, it was named the Gene Eisenbeiss Holly of the year. 'Scepter' grows quickly and can reach a height of 20 feet and a width of 14 feet at maturity (about fifteen years). Its oval, dark green, nearly spineless leaves can be as large as 3 inches long and 1½ inches wide. 'Scepter' bears bright red berries in profuse clusters of two to ten; however, the plant is female and requires a suitable male pollinator in the vicinity. Male plants of I. × altaclerensis, I. cornuta, I. latifolia, I. × meserveae, I. integra, I. pernyi, and I. rugosa as well as hybrids of these species will work as pollinators.

Plant in the full sun to partial shade in acidic well-drained soil though it tolerates a wide range of soil types, from moist to dry, including clay. The species is dioecious (meaning individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant, thus both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). It is pollinated by bees and is not self-fertile.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Spider mites and nematodes are occasional pests.  Alkaline soils will cause the leaves to yellow.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#nectar plant#specialized bees#deer resistant#pollinator plant#bird friendly#bee friendly#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#nectar plant#specialized bees#deer resistant#pollinator plant#bird friendly#bee friendly#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Ilex
    Family:
    Aquifoliaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    United States
    Distribution:
    Eastern United States from Georgia north to Massachusetts.
    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:
    Buffer
    Sound
    Wildlife Food Source
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Deer damage
    Edibility:
    Use caution. Human ingestion of berries can cause minor toxic reaction.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 16 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 12 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Pyramidal
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    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:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12-24 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:
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Winter
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Drupe
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Bright red fruit in clusters of two to ten; persists into winter.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Small (1/4 inch), dull, greenish white fragrant flowers in spring that form in clusters of 1 to 3.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Smooth
    Waxy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The leathery, glossy, dark green leaves are oval and nearly spineless.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Lawn
    Patio
    Slope/Bank
    Landscape Theme:
    Pollinator Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Hedge
    Mass Planting
    Screen/Privacy
    Small groups
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Specialized Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
  • 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