Family
Aquifoliaceae
Botanical Name
ILEX 'Rutzan'(RED BEAUTY®) PP14750
Plant Common Name
Hybrid Holly, Red Beauty® Holly
General Description
The vigorous Red Beauty® produces a jackpot of big red berries in fall and winter. These glow against the beautiful small glossy leaves of this exceptionally winter hardy dwarf cultivar. This hybrid combines all the ornamental qualities of its parent species, Ilex pernyi and I. x meserveae.
Red Beauty® is unusual in that it has both male and female flowers, but its male flowers have underdeveloped stamens so it’s not self-fertile. Consequently, it is necessary to plant a compatible male holly nearby to ensure pollination and subsequent fruit set. Any male-flowered Ilex pernyi or I. x meserveae will suffice so long as it blooms at the same time as Red Beauty®.
The large, abundant red fruits that follow are fully mature by fall and continue to look pretty into winter until they are eaten by hungry songbirds.
This holly accepts most well-drained soils but prefers slightly acid loam. It grows well in full or partial sun and will tolerate drought and summer heat well once established. Too much shade will induce leggy growth and sparse foliage. It is a cold-hardy plant that is perfect for compact hedges, large containers or mixed borders. It also makes a superb specimen plant and its pretty boughs can be cut and enjoyed indoors for holiday decorating.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 5
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
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Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
6'-9' / 1.8m - 2.7m
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Width
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Pyramidal
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
No
