| Ilex x 'Rutzan' is the botanical name of your Red Beauty holly. A recent introduction from master plant breeder Dr. Elwin Orton of Rutgers University. Red Beauty grows upright in a wide conical shape like a Christmas tree. With very dark blue-green and glossy leaves with strongly undulating edges, it bears some resemblance to the blue hollies, but the growth habit is upright, rather than globe shaped. Dark red berries ornament the plant in the fall and winter. It grows best in full sun to part shade in well draining soil and will mature in 10 years at 6-8 feet wide and 10-12 tall. It is a female plant so you'll need a male counterpart. Blue Prince is a good choice and you can plant it somewhere within about 50' for pollination to occur and berry production to be at its highest volume. Enjoy! |
