Red Beauty Holly. This tight upright selection is a hybrid between three different species of Ilex, I. aquifolium, I. rugosa and I. pernyi. It was developed at Rutgers University by Dr. Elwin Orton. Its tight growth habit, dark glossy green leaves and heavy berry crop makes this a true specimen. Even when unpruned, it develops into a very symmetrical upright conical shape. If one wants a holly for a Christmas tree, then this would be an excellent subject. It is thought that its mature height is probably 6-10 ft. with a 4-5 ft. spread. This is truly a magnificent selection. Some have called it vigorous, but I would not go this far. It is a very strong grower, but by no means vigorous. Most say that it needs one of the Blue Hollies as a male pollinator, but we have none of these here at our nursery, and we get a heavy crop of berries every year. There are numerous native hollies around, principally I. opaca, I. vomitoria and I. glabra. So I don't know who is t he paramour.
