Plant Profile: Ilex cornuta 'Carissa'

The 'Carissa' cultivar is an outstanding choice for a formal shrub, reaching heights of up to 4 feet and widths of 6 feet. Once established, this compact plant demonstrates remarkable tolerance to both drought and heat, featuring dense, rounded evergreen leaves that serve as an appealing backdrop for vibrant flowering plants. It flourishes in full sun or partial shade and prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. While 'Carissa' is not as cold-hardy as 'Dwarf Burford', it is equally easy to transplant. Its large, glossy leaves, characterized by a single spine at the tip, add a coarse texture to the landscape and remain visually appealing throughout the year. Although its flowers are modest in appearance, they are fragrant, and this cultivar produces fewer of the typical red fruits.

This shrub can be utilized as a hedge, a privacy screen, in shrub borders, or as part of foundation plantings. Pruning can be done at almost any time of the year, although it is seldom necessary since the plant naturally maintains its rounded shape. A light application of fertilizer in the spring and fall is recommended.

Additionally, this shrub is notably resistant to deer browsing.

**Quick Identification Tips:**
**Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Issues:** This plant experiences minimal pest problems.

For further details on Ilex cornuta, please refer to additional resources.