Carissa Holly is a compact, dense evergreen shrub with small, glossy, dark green leaves, each with a single terminal spine (Fig. 1). The some what-showy clusters of fragrant, springtime, white flowers are followed in fall and winter by some bright red berries. However, the berry display is mostly inferior to Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii’. The shrub stays small, eventually growing to about 6 feet. Most Carissa Holly plants are kept smaller than this. The plant occasionally reverts back to a ‘Rotunda’ Holly leaf form, a plant to which it is closely related. ‘Rotunda’ has many spines along the margins of the leaf.
Best in locations protected from cold winter winds. Part afternoon shade is best in hot summer climates. Avoid poorly drained soils. Good tolerance for heat and periods of drought. Prune in winter if needed. Plants of this species are dioecious (separate male and female plants). Female plants need a male pollinator in the area in order to bear fruit.
| Common Name | 'Carissa', Chinese Holly |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Ilex cornuta 'Carissa' |
| Container/Amount | 3 gallon |
| Evergreen or Deciduous | Evergreen |
| Hardiness Zone | 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b |
| Growth Rate | Average |
| Light Requirements | Part-sun, Sun |
| Height | 4 ft. |
| Width | 6 ft. |
| Soil Condition | Well-drained |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Blooming Period | Spring |
| Flower Color | white |
| Fragrance | No |
| Foliage Color | green |
| Deer Resistant | No |
| Berry Color | red |
